Intercropping sweet corn ( Zea mays subsp. saccharata S.) with turmeric ( Curcuma longa L.): Effects on arthropod communities and agroecosystem stability

Abstract Arthropod biodiversity is crucial for ecological balance and natural pest regulation; however, monoculture systems often diminish diversity and stability. This study aimed to compare the diversity and community structure of arthropods in sweet corn ( Zea mays subsp. saccharata S.) monoculture and sweet corn–turmeric ( Curcuma longa L.) intercropping systems. Field experiments were conducted from December 2024 to August 2025 at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Jambi University. Arthropods were sampled at 3, 6, and 8 weeks after planting using direct observation, pitfall traps, yellow pan traps, and sweep nets. Across both systems, 56 species from 36 families, 11 orders, and 4 classes were recorded. The intercropping system supported 51 species compared with 38 in the monoculture, representing a 34% increase in richness. At the generative stage, the Shannon–Wiener index (H’) reached 2.87 in the intercropping system versus 2.52 in the monoculture, with true alpha diversity values of 17.55 and 12.43, respectively. Community evenness was greater in the intercropping system, which particularly enriched predator and pollinator guilds. The Simpson Dominance Index was lower under intercropping (0.124) than monoculture (0.149), indicating reduced dominance by a few species. The Jaccard similarity index between systems was 0.381 (38.1%), demonstrating distinct species composition and highlighting the unique ecological role of turmeric in shaping arthropod communities. In conclusion, sweet corn ( Z. mays subsp. saccharata )–turmeric ( C. longa ) intercropping enhanced arthropod diversity, reduced species dominance, and strengthened community stability, underscoring its potential as a sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for tropical agroecosystems.