Print PageWater demand and weed, pest, and disease control are major challenges facing organic farmers in Texas and the southern United States. Inputs in the form of pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation and manual labor increase the potential for surface water contamination, further deplete potable water sources and reduce producer profit margin. Additionally, producers are limited to only a few select crops that can withstand summer temperatures in the region. We are investigating the utilization of single crop and various intercropping combinations of watermelon, peanut, okra, cowpea and pepper. An incremental increase in functional crop diversity in an organic intercropping system may enhance ecosystem functioning and crop resource-use efficiency while improving or sustaining crop yields and fruit quality. A field study utilizing a randomized complete block design has been established with each component crop introducing an architectural layer; adding complexity to the canopy similar to natural ecosystems. Organic vegetable management practices have been strictly followed.
Results/Conclusions
Preliminary results suggest that intercropping combinations utilizing watermelon reduce soil temperatures by between 2 and 3°C on average and promote short-term soil moisture retention by 25% VWC. Okra benefited most from intercropping when compared to its monocrop with an increase in soil moisture content of 46% VWC. This appeared to reduce heat stress on other component crops. Additionally, weed dry biomass was significantly reduced by 73% in intercropping treatments containing watermelon. These data suggest that intercropping has the potential for alleviating heat and soil moisture stress on crops during the peak of the summer heat in Texas and the South, as well as reducing inputs in the form of herbicides or manual labor to reduce weed competition.
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