Effect of Soybean, Moldavian Balm and Proso Millet Intercropping on Growth Characteristics and Yield of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of the intercropping by soybean, Moldavian balm and Proso millet on growth characteristics and yield of three sugar beet cultivars.

A factorial experiment was conducted in Khoy city based on randomized complete block design with 12 treatments in three replications in 2016 and 2017. The first factor was sugar beet cultivars (Kevin, Ghazira and Vaclav) and the second factor was cropping pattern of mono–cropping of sugar beet and the intercropping of sugar beet with soybean, Moldavian balm and Proso millet (50:50).

Results, indicated that the highest sugar content (15.82%), root yield (100.40 t.ha-1) and gross sugar yield (13.48 t.ha-1) in occupied area was obtained from the intercropping of sugar beet and Moldavian balm, and the lowest one (15.37%) obtained in intercropping of sugar beet and Proso millet and the intercropping of sugarbeet and soybean with 47.39 and 6.13 t.ha-1. The highest LER (1.27) obtained in intercropping of sugar beet cv. and soybean 2016, and the least (1.03) belonged to the intercropping Kevin cv. and soybean in 2017. The highest LER (1.21) belonged to the intercropping Vaclav cv. and Moldavian balm in 2017.

Based on root yield, sugar content, gross sugar yield and LER results, the intercropping of sugar beet with Moldavian balm is suitable alternatives for monocropping of sugar beet.