Evaluation of light interception and canopy characteristics in mono-cropping and intercropping of maize (Zea mays L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

Intercropping is a correct method of management for crop production and leads to improvement of resource absorption and use by plants. In order to evaluate light interception and some characteristics of canopy in monocropping and intercropping of maize (Zea mays L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) under climatic conditions of Tabriz, a field experiment was conducted in 2006-2007 at the Research Station of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Iran. The experiment was laid out as randomized complete block design with fifteen treatments and three replications. Treatments were including mono-cropping of maize densities (6, 7 and 8 plants. m-2) and faba bean densities (30, 40 and 50 plants. m-2) and 9 treatments of intercropping included combination of densities. Two plant species intercropped on the basis of additive series design. The results showed that leaf area index, light interception and chlorophyll index in intercropping were 2.88, 37 and 11.94 % more than those in monocropping of maize and 2.63, 30 and 9.27 % more than those in pure stand of faba bean, respectively. Among intercrops, combination of 8 maize plants and faba bean plants. m-2 was best intercrop regard to light interception canopy leaf area index, chlorophyll index and canopy temperature. Maximum land equivalent ratio (1.97) was attained by 6 maize plants. m-2 with 40 and 50 plants/m2 of faba bean intercropping combinations. This means that grain yield per unit area in intercropping improved by 97%, compared with monocropping, intercropping had advantage over sole crop.