Effect of planting date and intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) and foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) on their grain yield and weeds control

In order to study the effect of corn and foxtail millet intercropping on grain yield and weed control, an experiment was conducted in a split plot arrangement in randomized complete block design with four replications at the Field Station of Tehran University in Karaj during 2006 cropping season. In this experiment maize (SC704) and foxtail millet (KFM4) was intercropped using additive pattern. In this study, the main plots were different dates of planting (planting foxtail millet 20 days before maize planting, planting foxtail millet 10 days before maize planting, planting maize and foxtail millet at the same date, planting foxtail millet 10 days after maize planting). Sub-plots were pure stand of two crops as well as three intercropping ratios (100% maize +12.5% foxtail millet, 100% maize + 25% foxtail millet, 100% maize + 50% foxtail millet). Intercropping of maize and foxtail millet controlled weeds and intercropping ratio of 100% maize + 50% foxtail millet had the lowest weeds density and biomass. The combination of 100% maize + 50% foxtail millet at the same planting date was the superior treatment, because of the highest Land Equivalent Ratio (1.435) and the highest grain yield. This was referred to better use of growth inputs and control of weeds biomass and density as compared to monoculture. Generally, intercropping 100% maize + 50% foxtail millet in the same planting date was of high grain yield, better use of growth resource and reducing of weeds density.