Effect of Weeds Management on Yield and Nutrient Content of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Intercropping

The aim of this study was to investigate the intercropping of sesame and bean in order to find the best arrangement that has the highest ability to compete with weeds, maximum yield and the highest content of nutrients in plant tissue.  

This experiment was carried out as split plot in randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental treatments were weed competition including without weeding and weeding as main plots; and planting ratios including sesame monoculture, bean monoculture, 50% sesame + 50% beans, 50% sesame + 100% beans, 100% sesame + 50% beans and 100% sesame + 100% beans as sub plots. 

The highest seed and biological yield of sesame and beans were obtained from their monoculture. The LER value for seed and biological yield was greater than one in all intercropping treatments, both with and without weeding. Among the intercropping treatments, the highest amount of LER was obtained from the intercropping of 100% sesame + 100% beans. Also, the lowest weed dry weight obtained from this treatment. Among the measured nutrients of plant tissue, only nitrogen and phosphorus were significantly affected by weed control treatment and planting ratios. 

To get the optimal yield of both species, nutrient uptake and effective weed control intercropping of 100% sesame + 100% bean is better than other planting ratios.