Evaluation of growth and physiological characteristics of wheat and barley in alley cropping systems in Saman

Plant growth involves a series of biochemical and physiological processes that interact with each other and environmental factors such as light. Evaluation of growth indices is important in analysis of factors affecting dry matter accumulation. Since more than one species grow in various farming systems such as alley cropping, so the behavior of crop next to each other could be very important. So the purpose of this study was to investigate the integration of trees and crop plants cultivated in alley-cropping System in order to maintain or even increase crop dry matter along with more efficiency of resources. It seems that multiple cropping can lead to a sustainable increase in agricultural ecosystems.
In order to evaluation of growth indices and physiological traits of wheat and barley in different cropping systems, a randomized complete block design was conducted with four replication in 2015 at Saman region. Treatments were included: 4 different cultural systems (Alley cropping of wheat and barley with almond and sole cropping of them. Leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, chlorophyll (a, b and total), proline, protein content and growth indices were measured.
Data showed that proline content, light absorption, crop growth rate (
CGR), net assimilation rate and relative growth rate were higher in barley – almonds system. The highest dry matter accumulation per unit area (1424 g/m2) also was obtained for barley – almonds system, while for the cultivation of wheat it's corresponding to 934 grams per square meter, had no significant difference with its sole cropping. The lowest rates also found for sole cropping of barley equal to 700 grams per square meter. It seems that barley less influenced with shading and competition for nutrients in this cultural system, so its dry matter accumulation will be greater compare to sole cropping and also to sole and intercropping of wheat. Highest light absorbance values obtained in this system too.
Alley-cropping in Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiyari province, especially in Saman as an organized cultivation system could notice as an effective way to increase productivity, land use and economic efficiency for trees and plants, such as barley. Therefore it may promote sustainable development of natural resources and the use of modern multiple cropping practices and utilization of space used per unit of time. Barley is the best option for cultivation under almond trees among conventional cereals in the region, because of the highest dry matter in this system. Wheat cultivation in these systems although did not change dry matter accumulation, but may increase land use efficiency and productivity. So barely gain more advantages in these conditions and is more suitable option for almond trees understory.