POPCORN INTERCROPPED WITH BEAN UNDER DIFFERENT PLANT ARRANGEMENTS

Abstract

The intercropping of popcorn and bean is an alternative for small farmers, by providing higher profits and a better use of the crop area, besides reducing loss risks. This study aimed to evaluate different popcorn and bean intercropping systems. The experiment was carried out in an experimental field owned by the Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four replications, with treatments arranged in a split-plot scheme, with plots consisting of two popcorn cultivars (Zélia and BRS Ângela) and subplots consisting of three intercropping systems with popcorn and the BRS MG Pioneiro bean (popcorn + bean in the popcorn row, popcorn + bean between the popcorn rows, and corn + bean in the popcorn row + bean between the popcorn rows), and popcorn under monocropping system. The intercropping systems evaluated did not affect the popcorn yield, and bean sown in the popcorn row + between the popcorn rows resulted in a higher yield. In general, the intercropping between the two species decreased bean yield, however, due to the equivalent area index values, it was 50% to 91% more efficient than the monocropping systems.