The Method and Timing of Weed Control Affect the Productivity of Intercropped Maize (Zea mays L.) and Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Intercropping results in high overall system productivity on a given piece of land due to the efficient use available plant growth resources. Weed control intercropping systems is, however, still challenge. This study focuses effect type weed (chemical/mechanical) and timing chemical herbicide application (pre-emergence/post-emergence) crop maize bean mixture. For this purpose, three-year field experiment (2017 2019) northeast Germany will be presented. The experimental setup included control, three methods, one mechanical method control. Except for treatment, completely randomized block design was established. Weeds were assessed at BBCH 12 maize, immediately before first treatments estimate initial infestation, twice six eight leaf stage maize. coverage (%) estimated. mixture harvested yields (t ha−1) measured. confirm that as well application, significantly affects most successful strategy double which herbicides are used pre-emergence beans (BBCH maize) post-emergence bean). reduced by up 75% using effective 61% through compared additional effects treatment resulted 16.5% decline. yield surplus (pre/post-emergence) 53%, 23%. Additionally, intercropped 16% surplus, single Optimal during sensitive phenology stages is crucial productivity. provide an option suitable bean.