THE INFLUENCE OF STRIP CROPPING AND ADJACENT PLANT SPECIES ON THE CONTENT AND UPTAKE OF N, P, K, Mg AND Ca BY MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.)

Strip cropping is a form of intercropping in which two or more crop species are grown in adjacent strips. Maize is often grown in strip cropping because it strongly reacts to the edge effect with increased yield. A field experiment was conducted in the years 2008-2010 at the Experimental Station in Zamosc, University of Life Sciences in Lublin (50 degrees 42'N, 23 degrees 16'E). Two cropping methods, sole cropping and strip cropping (narrow-leafed lupin, dent maize and spring oats in adjacent strips), and two weed control methods, mechanical and chemical, were compared. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the cropping systems and weed control methods on content and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium by maize. The impact of the position of the row in strip cropping and of the adjacent plant species on changes in nutrient content and uptake was also studied. Strip cropping significantly increased potassium and calcium content in the maize, but decreased the content of nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium. In strip cropping, proximity to oats contributed to higher potassium content in the maize, while placement next to lupin led to greater accumulation of phosphorus and calcium: Uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium by the maize was higher in the border rows next to lupin. The results indicate that selection of different species for strip cropping can affect the chemical composition of the plant. This can be a cost-effective way to mitigate mineral shortages in crops.