Evaluation of the Quantitative Yield in Intercropping Ratios of Thyme (Thymus daenensis) and Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

In order to evaluate the Thymus daenensis and Medicago sativa intercropping ratios on the yield, an experiment was carried out based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the experimental farm of Agricultural Research Center of Kerman during growing seasons from 2008 to 2011. Results showed that the age effect on fresh and dry weight of M. sativa was significant but not on the height. The dry yield in three the years of experiment was 1400, 4007 and 3780 g per m2, respectively. The combination ratio of interplanting was not significant on the dry yield of M.sativa but significant on the dry yield of T. daenensis. Increase in thyme portion than alfalfa in the interplanting makes increase in yield of thyme. The highest fresh yield and economical yield were obtained from 75% thyme and 25% alfalfa combination in the second year. The results showed that the highest LER was equivalent to 1.04 in the second year refer to the treatment 75% thyme + 25% alfalfa. The results of these experiments determined that intercropping until to the sconed year is beter then monoculture but not more than two years.

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