Evaluation of corn-soybean inter-cropping systems in southwestern Japan

To assess the effects of inter-cropping corn and soybean under southwestern Japan’s climatic conditions, 5 different treatments were compared, namely: CW (mono-cropped - weeded); CTW (corn + cv. Tachinagaha CT unweeded); CSW Suzukaren CS unweeded). Parameters measured height, yield, nutrient composition numbers Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica). Plant height mono-cropped was significantly (P<0.05) greater than that in most inter-cropped treatments. The number had increased dramatically, especially on unweeded treatments, at 55 DAS (days after sowing). Fresh dry matter yields (FMY DMY) did not differ among (P>0.05), while treatment produced higher FMY DMY for CS. Weeding tended to reduce plants, but it affect yield this study. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) acid (ADF) concentrations cobs, whole plants crude protein (CP) concentration exceeded those These results indicated can be successfully with Japan. Soybean may infested beetles. It is advisable control weeds stands level beetle infestation minimize competition planted crops.