Evaluation of Competitive Indices in Barley Intercropped with Fenugreek under Manure Applications

In order to determinate the optimum combination of barley with fenugreek in intercropping under cow manure levels, an experiment was conducted as split plot based on a randomized complete blocks design with three replications at the research farm of Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Khouzestan during growing season of 2014-15. In this study, four manure levels (0, 12, 24 and 36 t.ha-1) were placed in the main plots, and eight levels of replacing and increasing ratios of intercropped cultures including 75% barley 25% fenugreek, 50% barley 50% fenugreek, 25% barley 75% fenugreek, 100% barley 16.6% fenugreek, 100% barley 33.3% fenugreek, 100% barley 50% fenugreek and pure cultures of both plant were placed in sub-plots. The results showed that the highest barley dry forage yield (2850 kg.h-1) was obtained from treatment of Sole barley by application of 36 ton.ha-1 manure, also the highest fenugreek dry forage yield (1633.33 kg.h-1) was obtained from treatment of Sole fenugreek by application of 24 ton.ha-1 manure. According to the highest System Productivity Index (SPI = 2933.29) from two treatment of 100% barley 50% fenugreek and 100% barley 33.3% fenugreek by application 36 ton.ha-1 manure, An increase of culture at 36 ton.ha-1 of manure was the best composition in the present experiment. Also the Land equivalent ratio and aggressivity index was obtained in increasing ratios of intercropped cultures and with application of 36 ton.ha-1 manure more than one. Therefore, in this study, barley and fenugreek were introduced two species compatible combinations of intercropping.