Productivity, Profitability, and Energy Consumption of Potato-Based Intercropping Systems

Abstract

Intercropping potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) with suitable crops might improve yield and profit for small-scale producers. Effective energy use in subsistence agriculture is necessary for sustainable production because it provides financial savings and preserves resources. Potato was intercropped with radish (Raphanus sativus L.) or spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), and each component was also grown in monocrop, in a field experiment during Sept. 2008–Jan. 2009 under irrigation. Intercropping radish and spinach with potato increased potato equivalent yield over monocropped potato. Potato + spinach had a higher land equivalent ratio (1.78) and area time equivalent ratio (1.29) than the potato + radish intercrop, which had a higher relative net return (3.28) and benefit : cost ratio (6.38). Monocropped radish had the highest net energy return, energy ratio, energy productivity, and energy profitability. Potato + radish had higher energy input and output and energy intensiveness than other cropping systems. Radish and spinach can be intercropped with potato for efficient use of land and higher economic return; monocropped radish may be more profitable and energy efficient than other crop combinations