Evaluation of Light Use Efficiency and Nitrogen Derived from the Atmosphere in intercropped of Soybean and Sesame

A field experiment has been carried out to study the competition between soybean and sesame in different planting ratios of intercropping based on replacement method. It is based on a randomized complete block design with four replications at Sari Agricultural Science and Natural Resources University during 2019. The planting ratios are 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0 (Soybean: Sesame respectively), using replacement method. Results show that intercropping has had a significant effect on the percentage of N derived from the atmosphere and light use efficiency. Among the different planting ratios, the maximum amount of biological nitrogen fixation is related to the 90-days after planting, and the 75:25 and 25:75 planting ratios have had the highest (75.95%) and lowest activity rates (42.67%), respectively. In addition, the highest light use efficiency in intercropping is related to the 120-days after planting. At this stage, the light use efficiency in 75:25 and 50:50 ratios are 2.03 and 1.92 g.MJ.-1, respectively. The highest land equivalent ratio is 50:50, with an average of 1.12. Finally, increasing the light use efficiency in planting ratios of 75:25 and 50:50 prove to be essential in increasing soybean's biological nitrogen fixation and increasing the efficiency of intercropping cultivation.