Increasing productivity with intercropping systems in cabbage production

This study was carried out to determine the effect of different intercropping systems on growth, mineral contents and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) under field conditions in 2000, 2001 and 2002. LER (Land Equivalent Ratio) and economic net income of different cropping systems based on cabbage as an index of intercropping efficiency were also evaluated. In the study, cabbage was used as a main crop, and cos lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifoila), leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), onion (Allium cepa L.) and snap bean (Phaseolus vulgarism L. var. nanus) were used as intercrops. Each of the intercrops was planted in between cabbage rows in separate plots. Cabbage and all intercrops were also grown as sole crops. There was no significant effect of different intercropping systems on growth characteristics and yield of cabbage compared with sole cabbage cropping except for radish as an intercrop, which affected adversely the yield and some growth characteristics of cabbage. Net income was increased significantly when cabbage was intercropped with cos lettuce, bean, leaf lettuce or onion. The values of LER appeared to be greater than 1 under intercropping systems. Cropping systems did not significantly affect nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron content of cabbage. The results obtained in this Study pointed Out that intercropping systems based on cabbage might increase total yield, productivity and profitability.