Effects of Plant Density and Delayed Bean Sowing on Yields, Economic and Nutritional Perfomances of Cassava-Maize-Bean Intercrops: A Case Study in Kirimiro and Mumirwa Agro-ecological zones, Burundi

Cassava-maize-bean intercropping systems testing effects of spacing (plant density) and bean planting date were assessed under two major Burundi agro-ecological zones (AEZ), Mumirwa Kirimiro. Evaluated for all three tested crops as follows: recommended spacing(RS), RS+20 % RS + 40 %. Bean was planted either at the same time other or with a 3-week delay.Measured parameters intercrops’and total yields, nutrient value (energy, proteins) economic benefits (gross monetary values, costs, net returns value/cost ratio -V/C).Overall measured parameters, contributed more in Kirimiro AEZ, while cassava AEZ. In represented 82 maize representedonly 11 7 %, respectively. comparative figures 54 cassava, 33 13 maize. Cassava 64 energy yields AEZ 20%for 16 bean. similar 34 46 20 contributed77 proteins when installed time, whereas brought 10 proteins, generated 23 money yielded three-times Overall, revenues through times higher than 60 values only 27 A reflexion applied to indicatedthat it crop yield global 67 30 Maize contribution 6 across almost insignificant because its low practiced selling prices. With V/C 2.42, beanintercropping system profitable conditions AEZ.In production delayed three-weeks. Similar tendancies observed returns(+ 72 %), (+ %) yields. On opposite, delay favored 42 %). The trends agronomic, nutritional wasalso lower productions but yields.In conclusion, all, 36 obtained sown/planted = 2.36. parallel, effect density/spacing indicated that increased by (RS economically (V/C=2.39).