The Growth and Biomass Yield of Common Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum (L.) Moench) Under Different Crop Management Systems

Abstract

Growing crops as cover or companion crops, as well as for green manure, forms the basis of sustainable and organic field crop production. This practice helps reduce soil degradation and supports sustainable soil management. The aim of this field study was to evaluate the effects of crop management systems on the growth and biomass yield of two varieties of common buckwheat. The crop management systems tested were: common buckwheat (Zoe and Harpe) grown alone (control), intercropped with sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), intercropped with a mixture of lacy phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) and white mustard (Sinapis alba), and grown in postharvest wheat residues (straw). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Data were collected on plant height (cm), number of leaves/plant, number of branches/plant, total leaf area/plant (cm²), stem diameter (cm), and biomass yield (t/ha). Crop management systems had a significant effect on the number of branches/plant, stem diameter, and overall biomass yield of buckwheat. The highest biomass yield (1.13 t/ha dry weight) was obtained from Harpe variety intercropped with Phacelia + Sinapis, while the lowest value 0.71 t/ha was recorded in the control. Given the high biomass yields, intercropping common buckwheat with Phacelia + Sinapis mixtures is a promising option for green manure production. Although the buckwheat varieties differed in number of leaves, leaf area, and number of branches/plant, the variety used did not have a statistically significant effect on biomass yield.