Intercropping experiments' data analysis is usually a complex task, as compared to those data analysis from sole crops. In these cases are recommended univariate analysis of variance for each crop yield; intercropping combined systems yields; productive efficiency measured with data envelopment analysis (DEA) models; and multivariate analysis. In this work we evaluated the biological performance of carrot and crisphead lettuce intercropping systems through uni- and multivariate methods. Two experiments (one in intercropping and another in sole crop) were carried out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The intercropping experiment was designed in a 2 x 4 + 2 factorial scheme, with the treatments stemmed from the combination of two carrot cultivars (Alvorada and Brasília) with four crisphead lettuce cultivars (Lucy Brown, Tainá, Laurel and Verônica) plus two carrot cultivars in sole crop. The treatments of the experiment in sole crop consisted of those crisphead lettuce cvs. tested in intercropping experiment. The evaluated traits in lettuce and carrot crops were shoot fresh mass and commercial root yield, respectively. Uni- and multivariate analyses of variance were accomplished on these crop traits in function of the tested treatment-factors. The multivariate approach was more informative as compared to the univariated method, as it allowed better discrimination of the treatment-factors, beyond the description of the treatments' relative superiority through the canonic variable technique. The combined efficiency indices showed similar results in the discrimination of the best intercropping systems as assessed through univariate method. Significant differences were observed among the combined indices (carrot equivalent yield index, productive efficiency for DEA, land equivalent ratio, and score of canonic variable) in all evaluated intercropping systems, when evaluated through normalized score of the canonic variable, with the highest efficiency of the systems as the carrot was intercropped with lettuce 'Lucy Brown'. The intercropping systems of carrot 'Alvorada' + lettuce 'Lucy Brown' or carrot 'Brasília' + lettuce 'Lucy Brown' are those to be indicated to the farmers.
Daucus carota; Lactuca sativa; intercropping efficiencies; data envelopment analysis; multivariate analysis
