Multiple Cropping in the Hillsides of Jamaica

Abstract

Results of a project aimed at increasing production of hillside lands through application of multiple cropping systems and intensive cultivation of lands are presented. Data obtained over a 5-year cropping period indicate that useful biomass production could be tripled through adequate cropping systems. Yam yields were not adversely affected by intercropping with legumes, corn, tubers and root crops. Yam as a monocrop produced 40 to 48 t/ha in the first cropping year; then yields declined gradually to approximately 20 t/ha by the 5th. year. When intercropped, maximum yam yields were 55 t/ha in the first year and followed the same declining trend as the yam monocrop in succeeding cropping seasons. Irish potato, as an intercrop, produced 9 to 15 t/ha of good quality tubers in 4 out of 5 years. Red beans, cowpeas, ginger, peanuts and radish were good intercrops in some years. Onions, corn, pumpkin, cabbage, carrot, cassava, and sweetpotatoes performed poorly as intercrops.