Agronomy

Research

14 pages, 3208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adoption of Cereal–Legume Double Cropping toward More Sustainable Organic Systems in the Mediterranean Area

by Danilo Scordia, Paolo Guarnaccia, Francesca Calderone, Aurora Maio, Tommaso La Malfa, Aurelio Scavo and Fabio Gresta

Agronomy 2024, 14(4), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14040772 - 09 Apr 2024

Viewed by 788

Abstract

Environmental benefits can be achieved by organic farming systems; however, weed pressure and timely crop nutrition remain important drawbacks for many field crops. Agroecological practices, such as double cropping (e.g., intercropping and relay cropping), using forage legume species can provide nitrogen (N) to [...] Read more.

Environmental benefits can be achieved by organic farming systems; however, weed pressure and timely crop nutrition remain important drawbacks for many field crops. Agroecological practices, such as double cropping (e.g., intercropping and relay cropping), using forage legume species can provide nitrogen (N) to the companion crop through biological N fixation and tackle weed issues by competing for light, water and land. The present study investigated the effect of intercropping (IC) and relay-cropping (RC) systems of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn) and forage legumes (Trifolium subterraneum L., Medicago polymorpha L., and Lotus corniculatus L.) by varying organic N fertilization with the aim to reduce N-requirement and weed pressure and increase wheat grain yield and grain protein content in Mediterranean organic farming systems. N fertilizer significantly improved wheat grain yield and grain protein, while a null effect on legume and weed biomass yields was found. Double cropping (T. durum-M. polymorpha, and T. durum-L. corniculatus) enhanced wheat grain yield as compared to the control and the T. durum-T. subterraneum. IC significantly improved legume yield, grain protein and the land equivalent ratio (LER) and reduced weed dry biomass as compared with the RC and the control. Among legume species, T. subterraneum outperformed the others and was less affected by the wheat’s competitive performance. Nonetheless, M. polymorpha was as effective as T. subterraneum in controlling weeds. Weed dry biomass was linearly reduced by increasing legume yield; the relationship improved by cumulating wheat grain yield to legume yield. Overall, this study indicated that double cropping, especially IC, can be a suitable agroecological practice to tackle weed issues and reduce N-requirement in Mediterranean organic cereal-based systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Intercropping Systems in Sustainable Agriculture)

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19 pages, 4266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tobacco/Salvia miltiorrhiza Intercropping Improves Soil Quality and Increases Total Production Value

by Xueqi Su, Xiaomeng Guo, Qian Chen, Zheng Sun, Xianchao Shang, Yun Gao, Tao Yu, Li Zhang, Long Yang and Xin Hou

Agronomy 2024, 14(3), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14030598 - 16 Mar 2024

Viewed by 497

Abstract

Unreasonable cultivation methods and management measures have led to widespread obstacles in tobacco continuous cropping in planting areas, resulting in reduced tobacco yield and soil degradation. Therefore, intercropping tobacco with other crops is an effective strategy to improve continuous cropping barriers. In this [...] Read more.

Unreasonable cultivation methods and management measures have led to widespread obstacles in tobacco continuous cropping in planting areas, resulting in reduced tobacco yield and soil degradation. Therefore, intercropping tobacco with other crops is an effective strategy to improve continuous cropping barriers. In this study, flue-cured tobacco NC102 and conventional planting varieties of Salvia miltiorrhiza were used as materials, and four treatments of flue-cured tobacco monoculture (CK), flue-cured tobacco, and Salvia miltiorrhiza at a ratio of 1:1 (TS11), 2:2 (TS22), and 2:3 (TS23), respectively, were set up to study their effects on soil microorganisms, physical and chemical properties, and yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco. The results showed that intercropping Salvia miltiorrhiza increased the number of soil bacteria and actinomycetes, decreased the number of fungi, and increased the activity of urease and sucrase. The content of available nitrogen and available phosphorus in intercropping Salvia miltiorrhiza soil was significantly higher than that of the flue-cured tobacco monoculture, while the content of available potassium was lower than that of the flue-cured tobacco monoculture. The soil environment was more conducive to the growth of flue-cured tobacco. Compared with the flue-cured tobacco monoculture, the proportion of superior tobacco in intercropping Salvia miltiorrhiza increased by 2.2–3.4%, and the ratio of potassium to chlorine in leaves of different parts of flue-cured tobacco increased by 12.3–75.0%. The content of total sugar and soluble sugar in middle and upper leaves of intercropping flue-cured tobacco was higher than that of the flue-cured tobacco monoculture, which improved the quality of flue-cured tobacco. From the analysis of the chemical composition of tobacco leaves, TS11 (flue-cured tobacco and Salvia miltiorrhiza intercropping row ratio of 1:1) had the best treatment effect, potassium content, total sugar, reducing sugar content, and potassium chloride ratio of flue-cured tobacco were the highest, the chlorine content was the lowest, and the quality was better than other treatments. From the analysis of total output value, the total output value of TS22 (flue-cured tobacco and Salvia miltiorrhiza intercropping row ratio of 2:2) was higher than that of other intercropping treatments. In 2018 and 2019, the total output value increased by 21.3% and 22.4%, respectively, compared with the flue-cured tobacco monoculture. The intercropping advantage was obvious, and the treatment effect was the best. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Intercropping Systems in Sustainable Agriculture)

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15 pages, 9774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects of Crop Aboveground Growth and Root Traits Guarantee Stable Yield of Strip Relay Intercropping Maize

by Liang Feng, Yun Hu, Kai Shi, Haiying Tang, Tian Pu, Xiaochun Wang and Wenyu Yang

Agronomy 2024, 14(3), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14030527 - 04 Mar 2024

Viewed by 561

Abstract

In order to reveal the yield-increasing mechanism of relay intercropping (RI) maize with different varieties from the perspective of plant growth, source sink relationship, and root growth, a two-factor randomized block design trial was designed, which includes different maize varieties (Rongyu1210 (RY1210), Zhongyu [...] Read more.

In order to reveal the yield-increasing mechanism of relay intercropping (RI) maize with different varieties from the perspective of plant growth, source sink relationship, and root growth, a two-factor randomized block design trial was designed, which includes different maize varieties (Rongyu1210 (RY1210), Zhongyu 3 (ZY3)) and plant pattern (RI, Sole cropping (SC)). The leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulation and distribution, root dry weight (RDW), root length (RL), root surface area (RSA), root volume (RV), and maize yield were determined. LAI of RI RY1210 was significantly higher than that of the SC RY1210 at the filling stage and maturity stage. The dry matter accumulation of RI RY1210 ear was significantly higher than that of SC RY1210 and RI ZY3, and the RDW of RY1210 was significantly higher than that of ZY3. The ratio of RDW of RI RY1210 was higher than that of RI ZY3 in the 20–40 and 40–60 cm soil layers, respectively. The RDW, RL, RV, and RSA of RI RY1210 were significantly lower than that of sole RY1210 by 25.43%, 10.75%, 30.79%, and 23.73%, respectively, but higher than that of RI ZY3 by 143.98%, 278.29%, 54.40%, and 29.57%, respectively. The average yield of RI RY1210 was 8782.71 kg ha⁻¹, with no significant difference compared to SC, which was mainly attributed to a larger ear dry matter accumulation, higher LAI in later growth stages, larger RDW, and the ratio of roots in deeper soil layers. This study will be useful and helpful to farmers for how to select and plant high-yielding maize varieties in strip relay intercropping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Intercropping Systems in Sustainable Agriculture)

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26 pages, 835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Cultivar on Faba Bean–Wheat Intercrop Productivity under a Mediterranean Environment

by Andreas Michalitsis, Paschalis Papakaloudis, Chrysanthi Pankou, Anastasios Lithourgidis, George Menexes and Christos Dordas

Agronomy 2024, 14(1), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14010070 - 27 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1031

Abstract

The term intercropping is used to describe agricultural systems where at least two or more species are cultivated in the same field for a portion of their biological cycle. It is an ancient agricultural practice that, with the evolution of agriculture, the prevalence [...] Read more.

The term intercropping is used to describe agricultural systems where at least two or more species are cultivated in the same field for a portion of their biological cycle. It is an ancient agricultural practice that, with the evolution of agriculture, the prevalence of intensive cultivation systems, and the use of multiple inputs became mostly restricted to developing countries. However, due to climate instability and uncertainty about weather conditions, interest in intercropping has been revived in recent years. The objective of the present study was to determine which faba bean cultivar can be used with wheat cultivars to achieve higher yields and to examine the interaction between the cultivars in intercropping systems. It was found that the combination of Flamenko with Polycarpi gave the highest yield and showed complementarity in the interaction between these cultivars that also have the highest yield; also, the other indices that were used showed a good response on the intercropping system and the LER was 1.30 and 1.19 for the first and the second year of the study, respectively. Therefore, there are faba bean and wheat cultivars that are better adapted to intercropping conditions and can be utilized by farmers to enhance productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Intercropping Systems in Sustainable Agriculture)

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29 pages, 1670 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intercropping—Towards an Understanding of the Productivity and Profitability of Dryland Crop Mixtures in Southern Australia

by Kerry J. Stott, Ashley J. Wallace, Uttam Khanal, Brendan P. Christy, Meredith L. Mitchell, Penny A. Riffkin, Malcolm R. McCaskill, Frank J. Henry, Matthew D. May, James G. Nuttall and Garry J. O’Leary

Agronomy 2023, 13(10), 2510; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13102510 - 28 Sep 2023

Viewed by 942

Abstract

Intercropping using mixtures of dryland crop species for grain or seed production was investigated in southern Australia across a range of rainfall zones over three years. The objective was to understand the productivity and profitability of intercropping in extensive, high-input grain cropping systems. [...] Read more.

Intercropping using mixtures of dryland crop species for grain or seed production was investigated in southern Australia across a range of rainfall zones over three years. The objective was to understand the productivity and profitability of intercropping in extensive, high-input grain cropping systems. Previous research has shown large productivity benefits of mixtures; however, few farmers practice intercropping in Australia, and an analysis of profitability is needed to support future potential adoption. Experimental results showed strong mixture responses (in terms of yield, value and land equivalence), but not all were profitable compared to an equivalent share of monoculture crops (as measured by gross margins). The most promising mixtures were those containing high-value crops (canola) and legumes (field pea or faba bean) at the wetter sites where the additional gross margin over equivalent monoculture crops ranged from $12/ha to $576/ha. Mixtures containing highly competitive crops (wheat or barley) were generally unprofitable. Mixtures involving cereals were doubly disadvantaged by the aggressiveness of these lower-value crops in the mixtures we examined and the high grain separation costs post-harvest. Cost reduction in mixture systems involving high-value crops that are synergistic (grain legumes) should provide enduring opportunities for intercropping in southern Australia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Intercropping Systems in Sustainable Agriculture)

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13 pages, 2744 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intercropping of Echinochloa frumentacea with Leguminous Forages Improves Hay Yields, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Diversity, and Soil Enzyme Activities in Saline–Alkali Soil

by Yunlong Cheng, Xing Xu, Yang Zhang, Xudong Gu, Haojie Nie and Lin Zhu

Agronomy 2023, 13(9), 2356; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13092356 - 11 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1114

Abstract

Soil salinization is detrimental to crop growth, agricultural yields, and environmental protection. Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb.) Link is a pioneer species for the alteration of saline–alkali lands. In this paper, we examined the effects of intercropping between E. frumentacea and leguminous forages on saline [...] Read more.

Soil salinization is detrimental to crop growth, agricultural yields, and environmental protection. Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb.) Link is a pioneer species for the alteration of saline–alkali lands. In this paper, we examined the effects of intercropping between E. frumentacea and leguminous forages on saline land improvement in the saline–alkali soil of the Hetao-Ningxia Plain, China. We found that intercropping increased the diversity and richness of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community in the rhizosphere soil of E. frumentacea. Glomus was the dominant genus in the saline–alkali soil of the Hetao-Ningxia Plain, where Glomeraceae, VTX00067, VTX000193, and VTX000165 were the dominant species. Intercropping improved the activities of soil urease, sucrase, alkaline phosphatase, and catalase. The hay yields of E. frumentacea were correlated positively with soil enzyme activities, Chao1 index, and ACE index, and negatively with total water-soluble salt content. Together, intercropping between E. frumentacea and leguminous forages enhances AMF diversity and soil enzyme activities, which provides an agricultural practice for improving sustainability of the agro-ecosystem in saline–alkali areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Intercropping Systems in Sustainable Agriculture)

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19 pages, 2401 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Broccoli Rotation on Soil Microbial Community Structure and Physicochemical Properties in Continuous Melon Cropping

by Xiaodi Liu, Xuelian Ren, Shuangshuang Tang, Zhaoran Zhang, Yufei Huang, Yanqiu Sun, Zenggui Gao and Zhoujie Ma

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2066; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082066 - 04 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1137

Abstract

The limitations and weaknesses of continuous melon cropping have worsened in recent years. A melon–broccoli rotation can possibly alleviate the problems associated with melon monoculture; however, the underlying mechanisms and their impact on the rhizosphere’s soil microbial community remain unclear. Thus, high-throughput sequencing [...] Read more.

The limitations and weaknesses of continuous melon cropping have worsened in recent years. A melon–broccoli rotation can possibly alleviate the problems associated with melon monoculture; however, the underlying mechanisms and their impact on the rhizosphere’s soil microbial community remain unclear. Thus, high-throughput sequencing was used to evaluate the rhizosphere soil’s microbial community’s relative abundance and diversity under melon–broccoli rotation and continuous melon monoculture cropping systems. We found that relative fungal and bacterial diversity and richness increased while fungi relative abundances, such as Fusarium spp. were significantly decreased under broccoli rotation. During continuous cropping, enriched Acidobacteria and Streptomyces spp., Sphingomonas spp., and Pseudomonas spp. were identified, which play important roles in alleviating melon continuous cropping obstacles. The soil under continuous cropping was rendered acidic, underwent secondary salinization, rapidly accumulated soil organic carbon and nitrogen, and lost abundant phosphorus and potassium. In contrast, broccoli rotation partially mitigated these negative physicochemical responses. Redundancy analysis revealed that the soil pH, soil soluble salt content, and soil organic carbon were linked to structures of the soil bacterial and fungal community. Melon–broccoli rotation could effectively equilibrate the soil microenvironment and overcome the challenges and deficiencies associated with continuous melon cropping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Intercropping Systems in Sustainable Agriculture)

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17 pages, 6595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Development Process of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Winter Pea (Pisum sativum L.) in Intercropping by Yield Components

by Marianna Vályi-Nagy, Attila Rácz, Katalin Irmes, Lajos Szentpéteri, Melinda Tar, Katalin Mária Kassai and István Kristó

Agronomy 2023, 13(5), 1323; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13051323 - 09 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1254

Abstract

The future of wheat production depends on our ability to adapt to changing growing conditions. It is expected that intercropping will be more emphasized where natural source of nitrogen may increase the resilience of cereals. Our investigation was made in two growing seasons [...] Read more.

The future of wheat production depends on our ability to adapt to changing growing conditions. It is expected that intercropping will be more emphasized where natural source of nitrogen may increase the resilience of cereals. Our investigation was made in two growing seasons (2020–2021, 2021–2022) with three winter wheat varieties (GK Szilárd, Cellule, GK Csillag) and a winter pea variety (Aviron) in Szeged-Öthalom. Each plot was 10 square meters in four repeats in randomized block design. We used a seed mixture of both species with three sowing densities. In this study, we represent a development process of two winter-sown species, then yield components evaluated by cumulative yield production analysis and multivariate regression. Mixtures were only beneficial for wheat in the case of GK Szilárd 50% and Aviron 75%, Cellule 75% and Aviron 100% (in 2021), Cellule 100% and Aviron 50% (in 2022), GK Csillag 75% and Aviron 50%. The yield was determined by the number and weight of grains in both species (and also number of pea pods). Knowledge of the development process of the companion plants is a key issue in creating an effective intercrop. This self-sustaining, low input and energy efficient cropping practice has a great potential in temperate areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Intercropping Systems in Sustainable Agriculture)

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17 pages, 2925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Winter Cereals (Triticum aestivum L., Hordeum vulgare L., Triticosecale Wittmack) and Winter Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Intercropping on Weed Cover in South-Eastern and Central Hungary

by Attila Rácz, Marianna Vályi-Nagy, Melinda Tar, Katalin Irmes, Lajos Szentpéteri, Apolka Ujj, Klára Veresné Valentinyi, Márta Ladányi and István Kristó

Agronomy 2023, 13(5), 1319; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13051319 - 08 May 2023

Viewed by 1083

Abstract

Growing two or more crops together in the same area at the same time, called intercropping, is a well-known agroecological method of weed suppression. Cereal-legume intercropping systems are of great importance in increasing biodiversity in arable lands. In cereal-legume mixtures, cereals provide physical [...] Read more.

Growing two or more crops together in the same area at the same time, called intercropping, is a well-known agroecological method of weed suppression. Cereal-legume intercropping systems are of great importance in increasing biodiversity in arable lands. In cereal-legume mixtures, cereals provide physical support to legumes and enhance weed suppression. Cereals have a stronger weed suppression ability than peas. The aim of our research was to determine the weed composition and weed cover of pure winter wheat, pure barley, pure triticale and pure winter pea, as well as associated wheat-pea, barley-pea, and triticale-pea crops in two locations (Szeged and Fülöpszállás) and in two growing seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022). In Fülöpszállás, the average weed cover was significantly higher than in Szeged. When comparing the years and crop production methods, significant differences were observed in weed cover in the pure legume plots. More weed species appeared in Szeged and Fülöpszállás in the second year than in the first year. Cereal-pea intercropping reduces the need for herbicides; we can achieve more sustainable and effective weed management without herbicide treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Intercropping Systems in Sustainable Agriculture)

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17 pages, 1746 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tropical Grasses—Annual Crop Intercropping and Adequate Nitrogen Supply Increases Soil Microbial Carbon and Nitrogen

by Karina Batista and Laíze Aparecida Ferreira Vilela

Agronomy 2023, 13(5), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13051275 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1146

Abstract

In Brazil, grain crops in no-till soybean–maize succession have reduced biodiversity and carbon input into soil. Intercropping is a promising approach to address these problems. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of soil in conventional and intercropping systems in soybean–maize succession, [...] Read more.

In Brazil, grain crops in no-till soybean–maize succession have reduced biodiversity and carbon input into soil. Intercropping is a promising approach to address these problems. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of soil in conventional and intercropping systems in soybean–maize succession, depending on tropical grass and nitrogen fertilizer uses. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and a split plot scheme, with four replications. The main plots consisted of the following cropping systems: soybean monoculture–maize monoculture; soybean intercropped with Aruana Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximum cv. Aruana)–maize intercropped with Aruana Guinea grass; and soybean intercropped with Congo grass (Urochloa ruziziensis cv. Comun)–maize intercropped with Congo grass. The subplots consisted of nitrogen rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha⁻¹) applied as side-dressing in rows of maize and tropical grass in the autumn–winter season. Our results showed that maize or soybean intercropped with tropical grasses and adequate nitrogen rates favored the entry of microbial carbon and nitrogen, stimulated enzymatic activity, and reduced C-CO₂ loss. However, the excess nitrogen supply can nullify the benefits of the intercropping systems. We concluded that the intercropping systems can improve soil microbiological quality in a short time with adequate nitrogen supply. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Intercropping Systems in Sustainable Agriculture)

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18 pages, 2999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Yield Advantage and Economic Performance of Rice–Maize, Rice–Soybean, and Maize–Soybean Intercropping in Rainfed Areas of Western Indonesia with a Wet Climate

by Erythrina Erythrina, Susilawati Susilawati, Slameto Slameto, Ni Made Delly Resiani, Forita Dyah Arianti, Jumakir Jumakir, Anis Fahri, Andy Bhermana, Asmanur Jannah and Hasil Sembiring

Agronomy 2022, 12(10), 2326; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12102326 - 27 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2519

Abstract

Cereals–soybean intercropping is not well studied, despite the importance of these crops in increasing agricultural profitability and ensuring nutritional and food security in Southeast Asia. We compared different intercropping practices (IPs) with monocropping practices (MPs) for their yield and economic performance by small-scale [...] Read more.

Cereals–soybean intercropping is not well studied, despite the importance of these crops in increasing agricultural profitability and ensuring nutritional and food security in Southeast Asia. We compared different intercropping practices (IPs) with monocropping practices (MPs) for their yield and economic performance by small-scale farms without mechanization. The treatments were IPs of rice–maize, rice–soybean, or maize–soybean compared with MPs of rice, maize, or soybean as sole crops, across three provinces in the rainfed areas of western Indonesia with a wet climate. Our results show that the yield advantages using the land equivalent ratio of the IPs were 44% for rice–maize, 54% for rice–soybean, and 63% for maize–soybean compared to MPs. Rice equivalent yield, maize equivalent yield, and the gross margin under IPs were significantly higher per cycle than under MPs; IPs provided a substantially lower cost of production and of paid workers. Compared to just rice, there were additional net return gains of USD 160 and USD 203 ha⁻¹ per cycle under rice–maize and rice–soybean intercropping. Maize–soybean intercropping resulted in an additional net return gain of USD 153 ha⁻¹ compared to just maize. These results suggest there is considerable potential for small farmers to increase their yields and profits by intercropping in rainfed areas with a wet climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Intercropping Systems in Sustainable Agriculture)

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