ROW SEEDING CONFIGURATION REGULATES YIELD, QUALITY AND COMPETITION IN COMMON VETCH (Vicia sativa L.)-SUDANGRASS (Sorghum sudanense (Piper.) Stapf.) MIXTURE

Abstract

Intercropping used in modern agricultural systems is designed for growing more plant species in the same field for maximized growth parameters. This two-year study was conducted to understand the effects of row seeding configuration and different Sudangrass ratios on yield, quality, and competitive ability in second crop production. Above and belowground biomass, crude protein content significantly increased in the second year, while other investigated properties decreased. Compared with other row seeding arrangements, aboveground biomass significantly increased in the same row seeding but belowground biomass, crude protein, and NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber) contents were higher in the alternate row seeding. Plant height, ratio, ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber) content, AGRNE (Aboveground Relative Neighbor Effect), and BGRNE (Belowground Relative Neighbor Effect) were not affected by row seeding configurations. In order to maximize the utilization from the row seeding arrangements , the same row seeding arrangement can increase the aboveground biomass but mitigate belowground biomass and crude protein content. The row seeding configuration represents a potential for yield, quality, and competitive ability.