Plant population and row arrangement effects, in the sunflower/beans intercropping

Abstract

During two consecutive growing seasons a field research was conducted at Guaíba, RS, Brazil, involving the sole crops of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and also associations of these species. It was intended to investigate the plant population and row arrangement influence of the crops on land utilization efficiency and on crop yields. Also, competitive relationships between sunflower and beans were investigated. The intercropping of these species in alternate rows showed greater efficiency in land utilization than the sole crops and other forms of association tested, with environmental resources being canalized by sunflower in detriment of beans. For the other intercrops tested, the behavior of the associated species was similar to that registered for the sole crops. During the second year of research a severe water deficit occurred, when sunflower showed tolerance, and beans, susceptibility to the climate parameter.