Microclimate Dynamics in Sweet Corn Intercropping with Various Legumes

Abstract

Sweet corn is generally grown in monoculture with wide spacing because it is easier to do but less effective and efficient in using resources, which cause the microclimate around sweet corn to be not optimal for its growth. Intercropping can improve the microclimate due to the presence of intercrops between the sweet corn. The type of intercrops affect the microclimate around sweet corn. This research aims to determine the effect of various legumes on the abiotic environment and find the legumes that can create an optimal abiotic environment for sweet corn. This research was conducted in 2019 using a single factor experimental method that arranged in a complete randomized block design with three blocks as replications. The treatments were legumes consisting of peanuts, soybeans, cowpeas, red beans, and mung beans. In addition, sweet corn is also planted in monoculture as a control. The research results showed that legumes among sweet corn could decrease daylight intensity above soil level with the most significant light extinction coefficient on the intercropping of sweet corn with soybeans, but has no significant effect on soil temperature and humidity. Soybeans and cowpeas are more suitable as intercrops on sweet corn intercropping to improve the environment.