TRANSPIRATION AND RELATIVE WATER CONTENT OF COWPE BEANS INTERCEDED WITH MOMBAÇA GRASS

Abstract

Understanding how interspecific relationships affect plant development in intercropping systems serves as a basis for designing agricultural management strategies aimed at increasing crop quality and productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the transpiration and relative water content of cowpea intercropped with Mombaça grass over time. The study was developed in the experimental area of the Center for Agricultural Sciences and Biodiversity (CCAB) of the Federal University of Cariri (UFCA), in Crato, CE, from May to August 2024. The species used were cowpea and Mombaça grass. The design used was randomized blocks, with a split plot in time with three replications, the first factor being the cultivation system (single and intercropped) and the second factor being time (28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77 and 84 days after sowin). Transpiration and relative water content of cowpea reduced over time, reflecting the increase in stress due to water restriction due to rainfed cultivation, as well as the increase in interspecific competition with Mombaça grass.