Effect of Intercropping Practices of Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) with Garlic (Allium sativum L.), N-rates and Biofertilizers on Growth, Productivity, Land Equivalent Ratio and Microbiological Properties in Globe Artichoke Rhizosphere

doi:10.21608/ejoh.2015.1313

Effect of Intercropping Practices of Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) with Garlic (Allium sativum L.), N-rates and Biofertilizers on Growth, Productivity, Land Equivalent Ratio and Microbiological Properties in Globe Artichoke Rhizosphere

Document Type : Original Article

10.21608/ejoh.2015.1313

Abstract

INTERCROPPING is planting of two or more species that are …..simultaneous in a period of their growth cycle. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the growth, yield, land equivalent ratio (LER) and various chemical and microbiological properties in rhizosphere of globe artichoke and green garlic grown in the field solely (PS) and intercropped (IS1 and IS2). The study was conducted in Baramoon Res. Sta., Mansoura, Egypt during the two seasons of 2012/13 and 2013/14. It also studied the effect of microbial inoculants and N-fertilizer rates.
Results showed that there were growth and yield adaptability between globe artichoke and green garlic in intercropping. Treatment of IS1 (globe artichoke x garlic equal 4000 x 42000 plant fed
-1) with microbial inoculants (Azotobacter + Azospirillum) and 75 kg N fed-1 produced the highest yield as land equivalent ratios (LERs), it was the highest LERs (1.50) yield compare to sole culture, increased. The microbial populations were in the highest values with the same treatment IS1. Monocropping of globe artichoke or green garlic had detrimental effects on soil microbial communities. These findings indicate that intercropping globe artichoke with garlic could be an ideal farming system to effectively improve yield, quality, microbial activity and economics to develop sustainable globe artichoke production.

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