Abstract: Intercropping systems can provide many benefits through increased efficiency of land and light use. The objectives of this study were to assess the main effects on a soil and plant growth of two arrangements of corn - soybean intercropping. In a 1-year experiment at 2011, the following treatments were randomly assigned in a CRD to 16 plots located on a vertic Argiudoll from Argentina: sole corn (Zea mays L.), sole soybean (Glycine max L.), corn-soybean 1:1 intercropping and corn-soybean 1:2 intercropping. Nitrate levels were modified by treatments, but these treatments did not affect available P contents due to very high levels of this element during the whole cropping cycles. The practice of intercropping did not enhance water uptake by crops in relation to sole crops, as might be expected from complementary root systems and de-velopment timelines. Corn N status improved with intercropping probably due to an enhanced growth of plants and their roots, but soybean chlorophyll content was decreased by intercropping treatments. Yield and growth of corn were stimulated by intercropping systems, but this system depressed soybean growth, particularly at 1:1 corn-soybean ratio. Based on the re-markable dominance of corn crop observed at this arrangement, it can be concluded that a 1:2 corn-soybean ratio could be more beneficial in terms of more symmetric ecological interactions.Abstract: Intercropping systems can provide many benefits through increased efficiency of land and light use. The objectives of this study were to assess the main effects on a soil and plant growth of two arrangements of corn - soybean intercropping. In a 1-year experiment at 2011, the following treatments were randomly assigned in a CRD to 16 plots located ...Show More
Abstract: The alarming depletion rate of Ghana’s forests has become one major challenge facing the wood related industries, foresters and environmentalists. This is because, depletion of forest and wood lands do not only affect industrial and economic growth negatively, but also disturbs the whole forest ecosystem. The depletion rate has largely been attributed to the practice of extracting only the stemwoods of trees felled, to meet demand for wood and leading to continuous felling of trees. Branchwood is viewed as one possible supplement to stemwoods, and when extracted for use, can help reduce the extinction rate and subsequently help to preserve the forests and the environment. This study was conducted to ascertain the quantity of merchantable branchwood left in Ghana’s forests, after logging operations, to suggest a possible commercial conversion to supplement stemwood. Data was gathered from four natural forest reserves in three ecological zones. Volumes of merchantable branchwoods on 106 felled trees were computed using Smalian’s equation. These trees were sampled based on accessibility to their branches. Two diameters at each end (ranged from 18cm and 90cm) and one length of each branchwood were measured for volumes computations. Branchwwood volumes of individual trees and those of same species were tallied and their means determined. Results indicated that, merchantable branchwood volumes ranged from 2.302% (Pterygota macrocarpa) to 63.841% (Khaya spp.) of their extracted stemwood volumes. However, the overall average merchantable branchwood volume was found to be 28.602% of the total extracted stemwood volume from the 106 trees. This percentage translates into preserving or conserving about 6 hectares of forest land area, should branchwood be extracted for use. It was concluded that, the average branchwood volume is substantial enough for commercial lumber production to supplement stemwood and help reduce the high depletion rate.Abstract: The alarming depletion rate of Ghana’s forests has become one major challenge facing the wood related industries, foresters and environmentalists. This is because, depletion of forest and wood lands do not only affect industrial and economic growth negatively, but also disturbs the whole forest ecosystem. The depletion rate has largely been attribu...Show More
