Evaluation of Forage Yield and Quality and Advantages of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)- Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) Intercropping Using Mycorrhiza

In order to investigate the forage quantity and quality and advantage of barley- grass pea intercropping with application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (Glomus intraradices), a field experiment was conducted as a randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with 10 treatments and three replications at the faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh in 2017. Treatments were included planting patterns (sole planting of grass pea and barley, 75% grass pea+ 25% barley, 50% grass pea+ 50% barley, 25% grass pea+ 75% barley) with and without mycorrhiza inoculation. The results showed that the greatest barley and grass pea forage yield were related to monoculture patterns. Also, the highest total forage yield belonged to inoculated pattern of 75% grass pea+ 25% barley. Moreover, the highest forage ASH and crude prptein (CP) was observed in grass pea monocultures. In addition to, the greatest total crude protein yield was achieved in grass pea monocultures and inoculated pattern of 75% grass pea+ 25% barley. Also, in all planting patterns, except for 25% grass pea+ 75% barley non-inoculated pattern, LER was more than 1. The A, CR and RCC values in barley were higher than grass pea, indicating that barley was more competitive and dominant than grass pea. The highest AYLbarley, AYLgrass pea and total AYL were obtained from 75% grass pea+ 25% barley inoculated pattern, while the lowest AYL values were noted in 25% grass pea+ 75% barley non- inoculated pattern. Also, the highest MAI and SPI values were recorded for the 75% grass pea+ 25% barley inoculated pattern, indicating that this intercropping system were the most profitable. Generally, in basis of quantity and quality traits and agronomical and economical indices, 75% grass pea+ 25% barley inoculated pattern was recommended as superior pattern.