The Land Equivalent Ratio and Its Mutualistic Implications: Computational Approach

Abstract

In this paper, we develop the theoretical and computational perspectives of tackling and calculating the concept of land equivalent ratio (LER). We apply this idea to discuss its application in a mutualistic interaction. Criteria for evaluating different intercropping situations are suggested also in this paper, and the land equivalent ration (LER) concept is considered for situations where intercropping has to be compared with growing each crop in pure stand. The need to use different standardizing sole crop yields in forming LERs is discussed, and a method of calculating an 'effective LER' is proposed to evaluate situations where the yield proportions achieved in intercropping are different from those that might be required by a farmer. The possible importance of effective LERs in indicating the proportions of crops likely to give biggest yield advantages is discussed.