Effect of Planting Patterns and Mulch Types on Weed Growth and Yield of Sweet Corn and Red Bean

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the best cropping pattern and type of mulch in the intercropping system of sweet corn and red beans in organic farming systems. The research was conducted in Air Duku Village, Bengkulu at 1054 m above sea level. The experimental design was RCBD with two factors. The first factor was cropping patterns consisted of monocultures of sweet corn, monocultures red bean, and intercropping of sweet corn and red beans. The second factor was organic mulch types consisting of rice straw, coffee husk, rice husk mulch, and control (without mulch). Data were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α= 5%). The treatment means were separated by LSD. Plant height, plant dry weight, husked cob weight, unhusked cob weight, cob husked weight per plot was measured for sweet corn plants, while red bean plants were assessed for plant height, the number of seeds, seed weight, seed weight per plot, and weeds were observed for weight dry. Study resulted intercropping can suppress weeds on red beans but not in sweet corn. Sweet corn-red bean intercropping suppressed weed growth, and mulch application of rice straw and rice husks effectively controlled weeds. The growth and yield of sweet corn planted in intercropping are equivalent to that grown in monoculture. Red-beans has higher yield in monoculture than intercropping even though the growth is not different between the two crops. This result is important in weed manejemen in organic farming practice.