Potato and bean intercropping for improved potato benefits in south western Uganda

South western Uganda is the hub for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production in Uganda, but whose main challenge is diminishing arable land due to human population explosion. Intercropping of potato with popular legume crops appears to be a viable land intensification strategy for intervening in household nutritional as well as income generation, in addition to harnessing soil nitrogen. The objective of this study was to rationalise potato-bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercropping as a strategy for optimising land use in south western Uganda. The experiment was conducted in Kabale, Rukiga (highlands) and Mbarara district (grass farmlands) in south-western Uganda during two seasons. Treatments included three row arrangements; namely 1row of potato x 1 row of beans, one row of potato x two rows of beans, two rows potato: two rows beans and sole plots of potato and beans. Potato variety, Rwangume, together with bush bean variety NABE16, were used in this study. Potato plants in sole potato treatments suffered plant etiolation because of the stiff intra- crop competition (producing tallest plants) whereas the association of potato with beans in intercrops did not interfere with resource acquisition hence shoot height. The highest land equivalent ratio (LER) of 2.5 was observed in intercrops of one potato row and two bean row arrangement; while the lowest LER 9.2 was noticed in1P:1B row arrangement. The additional contribution of beans as a household dietary booster and as a soil fertility rejuvenator, which are additional benefits of intercropping, need to be factored in the overall value added to the system. Generally, potato-bean intercropping is rationalised particularly in row arrangements of one potato row to two Bean rows. Key words: Intercropping, Land Equivalent Ratio, Phaseolus vulgaris, Solanum tuberosum, Uganda