Evaluation of grain yied, land equivalent ratio and fatty acids combination of peanut oil in intercopping with corn as affected by different levels of nitrogen

In order to evaluate grain yield and fatty acids in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) oil as affected by intercropping with corn (Zea mays L.) and different nitrogen rates, an experiment was carried out during 2014-15 cropping season as split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Rasht, Iran. Different rates of nitrogen fertilizer including 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg/ha as main plots and sole cropping of corn and peanut, rows of corn and peanut intercropping at ratio of 1:1, 2:1, 1:2 and 2:2 as sub plots, comprised the experimental factors. The highest corn grain yield (10540 kg/ha) was obtained under the interaction effect between 200 kg N/ha and C6 intercropping system by the ratio of 2:2. The interaction effect between 100 kg N/ha and C5 intercropping system by the ratio of 1:2 showed the greatest peanut grain yield (1786 kg/ha). By increment of nitrogen application, the rate of oleic acid decreased in peanut oil, but the content of linoleic acid enhanced. The highest ratio of oleic acid (27.31%) was observed under corn and peanut intercropping systems at the ratio of 2:1. In general, nitrogen application up to 100 kg/ha and intercropping systems between corn and peanut at the ratio of 2:1 could be recomendable to improve land equivalent ratio and enhancement of grain yield and peanut oil quality under the climatic condition of region.