Corn-Peanut Intercrop Performance in Relation to Component Crop Relative Planting Dates

A two-yr (1982 and 1983) field study was conducted to determine the vegetative and reproductive effects of three intercrop treatments on corn (Zea mays L.) SS 335 A hybrid and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) ‘Florunner’. Three planting time treatments of corn relative to peanut (2 or 3 wk before, simultaneous, and 2 or 3 wk after) were compared. Sole crops of each species were also established. Initial vegetative growth of peanut was greatest when intercropped with corn planted after peanut. Intercropped corn planted before peanut matured early but, after harvest, did not result in an environment favorable for peanut to compensate for early season growth reductions. Dry weights of intercropped peanut, regardless of relative time of corn planting, were reduced to half or less of those of sole-crop peanut. Reproductive development of both species when intercropped was generally not affected by relative planting times. Grain yields of intercropped corn were 85 to 90% and 46 to 74% of sole-crop yields in 1982 and 1983, respectively. Intercropped peanut yielded 33 to 37% and 47 to 49% of sole-crop yield in 1982 and 1983, respectively. Land equivalent ratios for intercrop combinations were not significantly affected by relative planting times; they ranged from 1.20 to 1.25 and 0.96 to 1.26 in 1982 and 1983, respectively. Corn contributed 69 to 72% and 49 to 62% of total intercrop production in 1982 and 1983, respectively. The results suggest that greatest total productivity in a corn-peanut intercrop will occur when corn is planted either simultaneously with or earlier than peanut. The highest intercrop peanut yields tended to occur when corn and peanut were planted simultaneously. Contribution from the Maryland Agric. Exp. Stn. Scientific Article no. A-3895 and Contribution no. 6876 of the Maryland Agric. Exp. Stn.