"Influence of Intercropping Combinations on Growth, Components, Yield, and Quality of Faba Bean and Potato"

Abstract

A two-year (2018-2020) experiment was conducted to determine the optimum intercropping pattern and varietal combination and the compatibility of potato and faba bean in intercropping system. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design of three combinations (Gera×Hachalu, Gera×Dosha, and Gera×Dagim) and four intercropping patterns (1×1, 1×2, 2×1, 2×2) with a 3x4 factorial arrangement and sole crops of faba bean (Hachalu, Dosha, and Dagim) and potato(Gera) as a control. The highest grain yield per hectare (1669.2 kg) was obtained from the Gera×Dosha combination and the intercropping pattern of 1×2 followed by 2×2 with no significant difference between them. The highest marketable tuber yield per hectare (13627 kg) was recorded by the interaction of Gera×Dosha with 2×1 (two rows of potatoes with one row of faba bean) intercropping pattern. This two-year experiment indicated that the best combination of potato and faba bean is Gera with dosha. The best intercropping system is 2x2 (two rows of faba beans with two rows of potatoes). For the growers who want potatoes as the main crop, 2 x1(two rows of potatoes with one row of faba bean) is best and compatible. For the farmers who want to grow faba beans as a main crop 1x2 (one row of potatoes with two rows of faba beans) intercropping system is best. It can be concluded that potato and faba beans are compatible with the intercropping system and farmers can employ different intercropping systems based on their requirements.