Forage yield, competition and economic benefit of intercropping cactus and millet with mulch in a semi-arid environment

This study aimed to quantify forage yield, economic performance, biological efficiency and competitive ability in cactus intercropped with millet, compared their monocrops, both without mulch, under irrigation. The experiment was conducted over two years semi-arid of Brazil. experimental design randomised blocks four replications six treatments: monocropped mulch; millet mulch mulch. individual yields fresh (270 t ha−1) dry (23 matter the were not affected by or intercropping. Mulching improved (69.7 (23.4 millet. Total greater intercropping systems, (32.8 (31.4 mulching, being average monetary advantage index equal 8 404 BRL ha−1. cactus-millet configuration, irrespective use but irrigated environments during periods year, is more advantageous than because it promotes gains production food diversity for meeting demand herd.