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Effect of Sowing Dates and Substitutive Intercropping on Growth and Yield Components of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Qushtappa and Ankawa Regions During the 2023–2024 Growing Season

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Field Crops and Medicinal Plants College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences Salahaddin University-Erbil, Iraq.

Abstract

The growth and yield of maize (Zea mays) and mung-bean (Vigna radiata) are examined in this study in relation to the combined impacts of location, sowing date, and intercropping treatments. Field tests were carried out at Ankawa and Qushtappa, two biologically diverse sites with varying soil textures and climates. Five cropping systems (pure corn and four substitutive intercropping ratios: 4V:1C, 3V:2C, 2V:3C, and 1V:4C) and two sowing dates (15 July and 1 August) were employed in a randomized full block design. Plant performance measures, soil characteristics, and monthly weather data were all included in the analysis. The findings showed that plant height, number of nodes, number of leaves, stem diameter, biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index were significantly impacted by location, sowing date, and intercropping ratio. The findings imply that optimum sowing time and crop mix might lead to maximum productivity and resource efficiency. The 2V:3C ratio, in particular, demonstrated encouraging results in balancing vegetative and reproductive growth, especially when adapted to local agroecological conditions.

Keywords

References
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Journal of Medicinal and Industrial Plant Sciences
Volume 3, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 40-52
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