The effect of mulch and irrigation levels on the yield and physiological characteristics of corn (Zea maysL.) and mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) in intercropping conditions

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Agricultural Jihad employee

2 Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran

3 Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran

10.22034/saps.2025.67460.3370

Abstract

Considering the reduction in crop yields under drought stress and its effect on plant physiological characteristics, the use of mulch has been introduced as a non-chemical method to increase crop yield. Also, intercropping of corn and mung bean, due to less competition with weeds and optimal water consumption, leads to increased production efficiency and soil moisture conservation under drought stress conditions. The experiment was conducted in split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the University of Ilam Research Farm during 2014. The main plots included irrigation levels at three levels (50, 75 and 100% of field capacity), subplots included mulch at two levels (application and non-application of mulch), and subplots included planting patterns at four levels (100% incremental mixed cropping of corn + 50% mung bean, 50% replacement mixed cropping of corn + 50% mung bean, pure corn cropping and pure mung bean cropping). The results of this study showed that the highest yield of corn (10274 kg/ha) and mung bean (1372.67 kg/ha) was obtained in 100% irrigation with mulch application and 100% irrigation with mulch application in pure cropping pattern, respectively. The highest land equivalence ratio (1.48) was achieved in incremental intercropping with 50% irrigation and mulch application. The results of this study showed that in terms of land equivalence ratio, intercropping of corn and mung bean indicates the usefulness of implementing intercropping patterns in increasing resource productivity and improving components, yield, and photosynthetic characteristics of the two species.

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Sustainable Production

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 January 2027

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