Growth, Nutrient Content and SPAD Value of Corn in Monoculture and in Intercropping

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth, the nutrition, and the intensity of the green color in corn plants in monoculture and in intercropping with Mucuna aterrima , Crotalaria juncea , and Canavalia ensiformis , cultivated with different handlings. In general, corn plants in monoculture demonstrated greater growth and greater SPAD value in the first evaluation, despite presenting lower tenor of phosphorus in the leaves when related to the corn in intercropping. The weed helps in the growth of the corn plant and increases the SPAD value during flowering. The monoculture NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) fertilization promoted higher values in corn plant growth, as well as a greater SPAD value, at 30 d.a.e., of the plants. The NPK-fertilized corn plants showed a greater tenor of sulphur and a lower tenor of molybdenum. The corn in intercropping with M. aterrima resulted in smaller plants at 70 d.a.e. It also presented a greater tenor of molybdenum and lower tenor of nickel when compared to intercroppings with C. juncea and with C. ensiformis . The corn plants in a intercropping with Crotalaria juncea presented higher growth at 30 and 70 d.a.e. and greater tenors of molybdenum when compared to the plants in intercropping with C. ensiformis .