Comparisons of radiation use efficiency of mono-/inter-cropping systems with different row orientations

Intercropping may be helpful to solve future food problem in developing cou ntries. The aim of this study was to compare production efficiency in inter cropping with sole cropping in terms of radiant energy use. For analysing c rop radiation capture and utilisation, three indices are often used: the fr action of radiation intercepted (F), radiation use efficiency (RUE) and har vest index (HI). Using those indices, maize-bean intercropping was evaluate d and compared with maize and bean sole cropping systems. The findings were as follows: the intercrop F was higher than the sole crop E the sole maize RUE was higher than the others, and there was no difference in HI among cr opping systems. From those results, the intercropping may be equivalent to maize sole cropping in the overall efficiency of radiation interception and use. Therefore, when it is considered that both maize and beans would be p lanted in a given area of land, intercropping has more efficient radiation harvests than sole cropping. No effect of row orientation was found on E RU E and HI. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.