Crop yield and tree-leaf production in three planting patterns of temperate-zone alley cropping in Oregon, USA

摘要: The objective of this study was to determine crop and tree productivity in several alley cropping planting patterns. four- year conducted western Oregon, United States involved irrigated sweet corn (Zea mays) intercropped between hedgerows red alder (Alnus rubra) black locust (Robina pseudoacacia). Three patterns with variable plant populations tree-crop proximity were tested each species a randomized block design. Space available trees crops determined yield both components. High coincided low pruning yield, vice versa. Compared monocropping, reductions traditional widely spaced, double rows ranged from 5% 15%. A. rubra R. pseudoacacia coppiced readily produced 0.9 4.7 tons dry matter biomass per growing season, depending on pattern year. continually increased during the trial, while ability produce green manure after frequent coppicing appeared weaken. After four years, soil organic 4 7% higher topsoil an system compared monocropping system. However, continuous resulted decreased levels systems original levels. Crop need for additional management inputs constrain implementation temperate climates. Only if benefits other than minor fertility improvements are realized is feasible alternative climate regions.