Intercropping sugarcane with food crops

Abstract

Data are presented here for two intercropping experiments, involving five sugarcane crops, conducted in an imperfectly drained alluvial soil at Río Piedras on the north coast, and for two intercropping experiments (three sugarcane crops) conducted at Isabela on a level lateritic soil of the northwest coastal plains. At both locations sugarcane was planted in rows 4 feet apart and 8 feet apart. Sugarcane was grown alone and intercropped with either soybeans, corn, native red beans, native white beans, cucumbers, cowpeas, melons, or tomatoes. Statistical analysis of the results obtained indicate that, at a planting distance of 4 feet between rows of cane, higher sugar yields can be obtained than at an 8-foot planting distance, regardless of whether the cane is grown alone or intercropped. Legume crops such as soybeans, native red beans, native white beans, and cowpeas, can be grown advantageously with sugarcane. Cucumbers, melons, and tomatoes also can be grown in association with the young cane plants without reducing the sugar yields. Corn, however, is detrimental to the production of sugar when grown in association with the young cane plants. Such intercropping of sugarcane soils is feasible technically and economically and should receive careful consideration as a meaSis of increasing Island food production on the same acreage.