Files
Abstract
Two banana intercropping experiments, involving dasheen, cowpea, sweetpotato and groundnut were initiated during the rainy season on farmers' holdings in St. Lucia and St. Vincent. The farmer's existing intercropping practice at each location was included as one of the treatments. In both experiments, the intercrops did not significantly influence the yield and yield components of banana on a system-basis. However, except in Experiment 1, the treatments significantly delayed the production cycle of banana, and the pattern and the extent of delay continued into the first ratoon. Intercropping affected the concentration of nutrients in the banana leaves and some chemical properties of the soil. In general, interplanting resulted in greater cash returns per unit area.