Journal of Crop Production and Processing

In order to investigate the effect of bio-fertilizers on the effective physiological characteristics and to improve the performance of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) in different ratios of intercropping, a field experiment was conducted as a factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications; this study was carried out at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Iran, in 2016. Treatments included two levels of bio-fertilizers (consumption of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium supplier bacteria) and non bio-fertilizers, and 5 planting ratios (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0) of common bean- black cumin. The maximum seed yield and the biological yield of black cumin (54.20 and 118.40 g m^-2) were obtained by sole cropping with the use of bio-fertilizers. The percentage of oil and chlorophyll b of the black cumin was increased by 17.34 and 14.36%, respectively, in the 50:50 planting ratio; On the other hand, chlorophyll b and carotenoids of bean were increased by 13.74 and 10.38%, respectively, in the 50:50 planting ratio, as compared to the sole cropping systems. The highest yield of oil (1.24 g m^-2) and essential oil (0.51%) of the black cumin belonged to sole cropping with the application of bio-fertilizers. The highest land equivalent ratio (1.50) was also obtained in the 50:50 planting ratio with the application of bio-fertilizers. This means that seed yield per unit area in intercropping was improved up to 50%, as compared with seed yield by sole cropping. With respect to the higher yield (the quantitive and qualitive yield of both two species) and sustainable agricultural objectives, the 50:50 planting ratio along with application of bio-fertilizers could be appropriate.