Effect of organic and bio-fertilizers and additive and replacement intercropping systems on corn (Zea maize L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yields.

Intercropping is one of the most important components of sustainable agriculture. In the present study, the effects of intercropping and bio/organic fertilizers on yield of maize and pinto beans were investigated. A split plots experiment arranged in a completely randomized design was carried out with four replications. The experiment was performed in the research filed of Agricultural Faculty, University of Tehran, Iran, during 2017-2018. Four fertilizer systems, control, no fertilization, biofertilizer (Azotobacter chroococcum), organic fertilizer (vermicompost) and integrated fertilizer (Azotobacter + vermicompost) were the main plots and five cropping patterns, single cultivation of maize, single cultivation of pinto beans, replacement intercropping patterns of 50% mazie-50% pinto bean, and additive intercropping patterns of 60% maize-60% pinto beans and 80% maize-80% pinto beans were subplots. The results indicated that the highest grain yield of maize (245.8 g/plant) was observed in 50% mazie-50% pinto beans the replacement intercropping patterns under vermicompost fertilization and also, the highest grain yield of pinto beans (5.4 g/plant) was obtained by sole cropping of pinto beans and vermicompost application. Generally, the results demonstrated that the most land equivalent ratio (LER, 1.22) was obtained from 60% maize-60% pinto additive intercropping patterns, fertilized by vermicompost. Considering the aim of sustainable agriculture, which is elimination or reduction of chemical inputs application, it seems to be appropriate and reasonable using bio/organic fertilizers for additive/replacement intercropping patterns would be appropriate and reasonable.