Mixed cropping of Arabica coffee and cardamom : Influence on micro climatic and physiological characteristics

Abstract

The experiment was conducted in Chettali, a predominant coffee growing area in Kodagu District, Karnataka, India, to study the suitability of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) as mixed crop with Arabica coffee (coffee Arabica L.). Data on micro climatic and physiological characteristics were recorded using leaf chamber analyser (LCA-3). Light intercepted by cardamom was more than the Arabica coffee in mixed cropping system. Photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance were higher in cardamom than Arabica coffee. Arabica coffee recorded higher water use efficiency and lower carboxylation efficiency. The data suggests that cardamom and Arabica coffee are competing each other for environmental factor. Therefore, they may not be suitable for mixed cropping system in the long run because of height factor and growth habit even though net returns are higher in mixed cropping system