Field experiments were carried out during two consecutive years in the Integrated Agroecological Production System, in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, to evaluate the performance of cabbageradish intercropping under organic management on the basis of agronomic traits and Area Equivalency Index (AEI). The contribution of green manure pre-planting to the system also was evaluated. A randomized complete blocks design with seven replicates in a 2x3 split-plot factorial scheme was used. Treatments in the main plots consisted of Crotalaria juncea pre-planting or fallow. Cabbage or radish single crops and the respective intercropping were distributed in the subplots. No significant differences were detected between C. juncea and fallow as related to cabbage or radish yields in any of the systems used (single crops and intercropping). Intercropping had no effect on cabbage yield, but significantly reduced radish root yield. However, commercial standard of the harvested radish roots was not affected. An average AEI of 1,59 for the two experimental years was attained, thus indicating the viability of the cabbage-radish intercropping. The system makes possible to afford additional income for a given area cultivated with cabbage, at its conventional single-crop spacing, by including radish as a secondary crop. Intercropping also was advantageous by allowing optimization of cultural practices such as fertilization, weeding, and irrigation.
Brassica oleracea var. capitata; Raphanus sativus; agroecology; organic horticulture
