Changes of weed abundance and diversity in barley (Hordeum vulgare) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) intercropping

Intercropping of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) with fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) may increase the productivity and reduce the weeds interference. The aim of this research was to show the effects of barley and fenugreek intercropping on abundance and diversity of weeds. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design in a split plot arrangement with three replications. Tow levels of weed management including weed control and weed interference and seven levels of intercropping were the treatments. The treatments were sole barley (1666000 plant ha-1), sole fenugreek (333000 plant ha-1), an additive intercropping series as 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% of the seed rate of barley mixed with fenugreek seed rate. The results showed that the maximum biomass and leaf area index (LAI) of barley and fenugreek was recorded at the 10 and 20% of additive intercropping while the lowest amount of those traits was obtained in the 50% additive of barley. There was a remarkable interaction effect between weed management and intercropping patterns in terms of weeds dry weight and abundance. Intercropping of barley and fenugreek markedly decreased weeds biomass in the range of 8 to 45% which represents the advantages of this intercropping in weed control.