Abstract

Intercropping is a technique which consists of cultivating two or more species in the same area. In these systems, planning and management should be carried out in order to avoid interspecies competition for water, light, and nutrients. This paper aimed to evaluate macronutrient content and accumulations in corn (Zea mays L.) intercropped with dwarf pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) in different plant arrangements. The experimental design adopted was one of randomized blocks, with six treatments and four repetitions. The treatments consisted of different arrangements of dwarf pigeon pea intercropped with corn: corn in monoculture, dwarf pigeon pea sown in the same rows as the corn, one row of dwarf pigeon pea sown between the rows of corn, dwarf pigeon pea sown in the same rows and in a row between the corn, and dwarf pigeon pea sown in the same rows and in two rows between the corn. The following variables were evaluated: dry matter (t ha-1), macronutrient content and accumulations (g kg-1), total chlorophyll in the corn leaves (FCI) and grain yield of corn, as well as dry matter production (t ha-1) and macronutrient content in the aerial part of the dwarf pigeon pea (g kg-1). The arrangement with dwarf pigeon pea sown in the same rows and in two rows between the corn increased N content in the corn plants, in relation to the other arrangements and the corn in monoculture. Ca content and accumulations were higher in corn in monoculture and in the arrangement with dwarf pigeon peas sown in the same rows as the corn.

Key words: Zea mays L., Cajanus cajan, interspecies competition, plant nutrition.