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An Agronomic and Economic Study of Intercropping Brussels Sprouts and Summer Cabbage

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

P. J. Salter ,
Jayne M. Akehurst  and
G. E. L. Morris
P. J. Salter
Affiliation:
National Vegetable Research Station, Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9EF, England
Jayne M. Akehurst
Affiliation:
National Vegetable Research Station, Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9EF, England
G. E. L. Morris
Affiliation:
National Vegetable Research Station, Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9EF, England
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Summary

Intercropping Brussels sprouts with cabbage was studied in two experiments comparing four different intercropping systems with sole crop production. Intercropping presented no agronomic or management problems because both crops had compatible cultural and crop protection requirements. Analysis of Land Equivalent Ratios and Relative Value Totals showed that the four intercropping systems gave consistently larger yields than the sole crops. In one experiment profitability, measured by the gross margin, was higher from all of the intercropping systems and costs per unit of produce were reduced. Similar results were obtained with one intercropping system in the other experiment. Alternative methods of evaluating the results in economic terms are discussed, together with the implications of intercropping in high-input systems of vegetable production.

Type
Research Article
Information
Experimental Agriculture , Volume 21 , Issue 2 , April 1985 , pp. 153 - 167
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1985

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References

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