Competition analysis, nitrogen response and canopy cover assessment in sugarcane intercropping systems

The performance of sugarcane as a 1-year crop in intercropping systems and the amount of canopy cover, crop residue cover and competition for N between various crops was assessed in this research. The hypotheses tested in this field study were that sole cane will require lower N than intercropped cane for maximum productivity; intercropping will reduce the yield of sugarcane; and intercropping systems will have higher total productivity and canopy cover than sole sugarcane. Sugarcane variety H 74-4527 (from HSPA) was planted as a sole crop and in combination with Sweet corn (Super Sweet 10) and Wheat (Norstar). Leaf area index, primary stalk population, stalk height, total dry matter, and cane and sugar yields were significantly higher in sole cane than in intercropped cane. Application of 300 kg N ha...