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 study was conducted to understand the effects of row seeding configuration (same, alternate and cross seeding row) and different Sudangrass ratios (25 and 50%) on yield, quality, and competitive ability of common vetch in second crop production. Among row seeding configuration, same row seeding maximized the aboveground biomass production but decreased belowground biomass, crude protein content and NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber). 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 configuration, the same row seeding can increase the aboveground biomass but mitigate belowground biomass and crude protein content. The row seeding configuration may represent a potential for yield, quality, and competitive ability when sown as a mixture using 25% Sudangrass ratio.