The effect of humic acid on yield performance and land use efficiency in wheat and lentil intercropping under dryland conditions

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 Master's degree student, Department of Crop Ecology, Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran,

2 Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production Engineering and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran,

3 PhD student, Department of Crop Ecology, Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran,

10.22069/ejcp.2024.22269.2621

Abstract

Abstract
Background and objectives: Due to the extensive climate changes and environmental pollution, along with the heavy use of toxins and chemical fertilizers in industrial farming, addressing topics concerning sustainable agriculture is deemed essential in today's world. A key strategy for sustainable plant cultivation involves enhancing diversity by practicing intercropping. This technique aids in erosion control, soil and water protection, nitrogen biological fixation, boosting both the quantity and quality of yields, and managing weed growth.
Materials and methods: To investigate the impact of humic acid on the yield of wheat and lentil in both sole and intercropping systems under dryland conditions, an experiment was conducted during the 2018-2019 growing season in Qahavand city, Hamedan, Iran. The experiment followed a factorial design based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications. The factors included different cropping patterns at four levels: wheat sole crop, lentil sole crop, strip intercropping with 6 rows of wheat and 3 rows of lentil (6W:3L), and strip intercropping with 12 rows of wheat and 6 rows of lentil (12W:6L). Additionally, humic acid was applied at three levels (0, 6, and 12 kg.ha-1). Yields, yield components, and land equivalent ratio were measured and evaluated.
Results: The results indicated significant effects of intercropping on various parameters in both wheat and lentil crops. In wheat, intercropping influenced traits such as seeds per spike, spikes per square meter, 1000 seed weight, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, and protein percentage. For lentil, intercropping impacted the number of pods per plant, 1000 seed weight, grain yield, biological yield, protein yield, and harvest index. Additionally, the application of humic acid significantly affected most traits, except for the lentil harvest index. The interaction between the intercropping and humic acid influenced wheat grain yield, 1000-seed weight of lentil, lentil grain and biological yield, and the total yield of lentil and wheat. The land equivalent ratio (LER) in all intercropping treatments was greater than 1, indicating the benefits of wheat and lentil intercropping over sole cropping.
Conclusion: The application of 12 kg.ha-1 of humic acid resulted in increased yields and yield components for both wheat and lentil crops, along with a higher land equivalent ratio ( LER) index. The intercropping of 6 rows of wheat and 3 rows of lentil (6W:3L), combined with this application, is optimal for achieving maximum yield and benefits in the intercropping of wheat and lentil.
Keywords: Cereal, harvest index, land equivalent ratio, organic fertilizer, pulses

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Journal of Crop Production
Volume 17, Issue 3
October 2024
Pages 44-64

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