Physicochemical quality of vegetables produced in intercropping

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the viability of lettuce and taro lettuce intercropping in the physical-
chemical quality of crops. The cultures were on arrangements: monoculture, double consortium
and triple consortium. The pH, titratable acidity, moisture content, lipid content, fiber
content, protein content, ash content and carbohydrate content were evaluated. Data were
analyzed using analysis of variance (p<0.05). Tukey test at 5% probability was used. The physical-
chemical quality of the lettuce was not altered in the different intercropping arrangements
in comparison to the monoculture. There was a reduction in bertalha in intercropping. The lower
value of moisture obtained in the taro produced in monoculture shows a superiority of the
taro rhizomes of the intercropped crop in relation to its cultivation in monoculture. In addition,
bertlha in the triple intercropping presented lower values of crude fiber and carbohydrates, and
the taro in intercropping with the bertalha and in the triple arrangement presented lower values
of carbohydrates. The cultivation of lettuce in intercropping with bertalha and taro is viable, in
such a way which optimizes the use of the area and does not alter its physical-chemical quality
and is a great potential for organic production of vegetables.