Intercropping in corn : soil physical quality and soil inorganic nitrogen levels

• Main Author: Melkamu, Teshome.
• Other Authors: MacKenzie, A. F. (advisor)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 1996
• Subjects: Companion planting.; Corn > Soils.; Ryegrasses.; Soils > Nitrogen content.
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=20152

Monoculture corn (Zea mays L.) production may result in increased soil degradation through intensive cultivation and N fertilizer use. Intercropping may reduce these negative effects. The objectives of the study were to examine at two sites the effects of monocropping and intercropping corn on soft physical and chemical properties. A sandy loam soil of the Chateaugay series and a sandy loam soft of St Dainase series were used in a field experiment for 1993 and 1994 growing seasons. Soil with corn monoculture planted at 60 and 90 cm row width had lower soil, organic matter than that under intercrops. Soil aggregate stability treatment effects varied with soil. Corn intercropped with perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne L.) showed the highest of aggregate stability. Similar trends were noted with wet-sieved aggregate diameters. Monoculture corn tended to produce higher soil bulk density than intercrops. There was some evidence of compaction after late seeding of intercrops. Monoculture corn resulted in more acidity and lower pH than corn with intercrops. Extractable P and K by Mehlich III were lower in monoculture corn than corn-soybean intercrops. Intercropping tended to reduce residual soil NO3 -- levels but this effect varied with depth. Single and broadcast N application resulted in higher N residues with corn planted at 75 cm row width than split and banded application. Intercropping tended to reduce soil degradation and pollution as measured by aggregate stability and NO3 -- residues.