Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Ph. D student of Agrotechnology-Crop Ecology, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
2
2. Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
3
Ph.D in Plant Physiology, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
4
Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
10.22034/saps.2026.69669.3415
Abstract
Background& Objective: The use of cover crops reduces weed density and biomass and increases crop yield.
Materials & Methods: The experiment was conducted as factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in Ardabil, Iran, in 2022-2023. The experimental treatments included monoculture and mixed intercropping of rye (Secale cereale L.), triticale (×Triticosecale), oats (Avena sativa L.), chickling pea (Lathyrus sativa L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), daikon radish (Rhaphanus sativus L.), rapeseed (Brassica napus), mixed intercropping and a control, and the amount of nitrogen fertilizer used (0 and 100 % recommended nitrogen rate).
Results: The results showed that the highest cover crop biomass (474.50 g m-2), lowest density (11 plants m-2), and weed biomass (15 g m-2) were obtained from mixed intercropping and monoculture of oats, respectively. The highest weed control efficiency index was recorded in mixed intercropping, monoculture of oats, rye, and triticale. The highest potato shoot dry matter (874 g m-2), plant height (59.5 cm), tuber number (52 tubers m-2), and potato yield (71003 kg ha-1) were obtained from mixed intercropping. The use of 100% nitrogen resulted in an increase of 2.3 and 5.5% in shoot dry weight and plant height compared to no nitrogen and did not cause a significant effect in potato yield.
Conclusion: The reduction in weed density and biomass is dependent on the amount of cover crops biomass. The effect of cover crops in mixed intercropping on Ottawa potato cultivar yield was statistically significant and led to a reduction in nitrogen consumption.
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