Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science

Agronomic Practices and Intercropping Systems

Works Count: 57777

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Description

This cluster of papers explores the practice of intercropping, where two or more crops are cultivated together in the same space, and its impact on agricultural productivity, soil nutrient management, crop diversity, and sustainability. The research emphasizes the role of rhizosphere interactions, nitrogen fixation, and resource use efficiency in enhancing crop yield stability and promoting agroecological practices.

Keywords

Intercropping; Agricultural Productivity; Soil Nutrient Management; Crop Diversity; Sustainable Agriculture; Rhizosphere Interactions; Nitrogen Fixation; Resource Use Efficiency; Crop Yield Stability; Agroecological Practices

Sorghum: origin, history, technology and production.

2000-01-01

C. Wayne Smith , R. A. Frederiksen , W. C. Smith

Preface. Contributors. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. Origins of Domesticated Sorghum and Its Early Diffusion to India and China (C. Kimber). Classification and Characterization of Sorghum (J. Dahlberg). Development of Some Agricultural … Preface. Contributors. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. Origins of Domesticated Sorghum and Its Early Diffusion to India and China (C. Kimber). Classification and Characterization of Sorghum (J. Dahlberg). Development of Some Agricultural Industries in Several African and Asian Countries (L. House, et al.). History of Cultivar Development in the United States: From Memoirs of A. B. Maunder--Sorghum Breeder (C. Smith & R. Frederiksen). THE SORGHUM PLANT. Physiology and Genetics of Maturity and Height (P. Morgan & S. Finlayson). Genetics and Cytogenetics (W. Rooney). Collection, Conversion, and Utilization of Sorghum (D. Rosenow & J. Dahlberg). Techniques in Developing New Cultivars (W. Rooney & C. Smith). New Horizons in Biotechnology (P. Subudhi & H. Nguyen). PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTION HAZARDS. Sorghum Production Statistics (C. Smith). Integrated Crop Management for Sorghum (J. Cothren, et al.). Insect Pests of Sorghum (G. Teetes & B. Pendleton). Diseases and Disease Management in Sorghum (R. Frederiksen). Weeds and Their Control in Grain Sorghum (P. Stahlman & G. Wicks). Marketing (T. Lust, et al.). PROCESSING AND PRODUCTS. Structure and Chemistry of the Sorghum Caryopsis (R. Waniska & L. Rooney). Sorghum Food and Industrial Utilization (L. Rooney & R. Waniska). Value of Sorghum and Sorghum Coproducts in Diets for Livestock (J. Hancock). Fermentated Products: Beverages and Porridges (J. Taylor & J. Dewar). Forages and Fodder (J. Pedersen & J. Fritz). Index.

Annual intercrops: an alternative pathway for sustainable agriculture.

2011-04-01

Anastasios Lithourgidis , Christos Dordas , Christos A. Damalas +1 more

Intercropping, the agricultural practice of cultivating two or more crops in the same space at the same time, is an old and commonly used cropping practice which aims to match … Intercropping, the agricultural practice of cultivating two or more crops in the same space at the same time, is an old and commonly used cropping practice which aims to match efficiently crop demands to the available growth resources and labor. The most common advantage of intercropping is the production of greater yield on a given piece of land by making more efficient use of the available growth resources using a mixture of crops of different rooting ability, canopy structure, height, and nutrient requirements based on the complementary utilization of growth resources by the component crops. Moreover, intercropping improves soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation with the use of legumes, increases soil conservation through greater ground cover than sole cropping, and provides better lodging resistance for crops susceptible to lodging than when grown in monoculture. Intercrops often reduce pest incidence and improve forage quality by increasing crude protein yield of forage. Intercropping provides insurance against crop failure or against unstable market prices for a given commodity, especially in areas subject to extreme weather conditions such as frost, drought, and flood. Thus, it offers greater financial stability than sole cropping, which makes the system particularly suitable for labor-intensive small farms. Besides, intercropping allows lower inputs through reduced fertilizer and pesticide requirements, thus minimizing environmental impacts of agriculture. However, intercropping has some disadvantages such as the selection of the appropriate crop species and the appropriate sowing densities, including extra work in preparing and planting the seed mixture and also extra work during crop management practices, including harvest. The selection of an appropriate intercropping system for each case is quite complex as the success of intercropping systems depend much on the interactions between the component species, the available management practices, and the environmental conditions. Plant breeding can contribute determinedly to increase of productivity of intercropping systems by investigating and exploiting the genetic variability to intercrop adaptation. This paper provides an overall view and evaluation of annual intercropping, summarizing its main advantages supported by a number of key examples from the literature which point out its great value in the context of sustainable agriculture.

Handbook of Plant and Crop Physiology

2001-09-18

Mohammad Pessarakli

Plants, Crops, and Growth Environment: Nutrient Uptake by Plants Plant Water Relationships Current Perspectives in Water Loss from Plants and Stomatal Action Physiology of Plant/Crop Growth and Developmental Stages: Germination … Plants, Crops, and Growth Environment: Nutrient Uptake by Plants Plant Water Relationships Current Perspectives in Water Loss from Plants and Stomatal Action Physiology of Plant/Crop Growth and Developmental Stages: Germination and Emergence Cell Cycle Control in Plants Vegetative and Elongation Growth Stages Ecophysiological Aspects of the Vegetative Propagation of Salt-bush (Atriplex spp) and Mulberry (Morus spp). Plant Growth Regulators - The Natural Hormones (Growth Promoters and Inhibitors) Physiological Responses of Plants and Crops Under Stressful (Salt, Drought, and Other Environmental Stress) Conditions: Physiological Adaptation of Plants to Environmental Stresses Adaptive Components of Salt Tolerance Photosynthesis In Plant/Crops Under Water and Salt Stress Physiological Mechanisms of Nitrogen Absorption and Assimilation in Plants Under Stressful Conditions. Physiology of Lower-Plant Genetics and Development: Developmental Genetics In Lower Plants. Physiology of Higher-Plant/Crop Genetics and Development: Transpiration Efficiency - Avenues for Genetic lmprovement, Physiological Mechanisms Relevant to Genetic Improvement of Salinity Tolerance in Crop Plants. Whole Plant vs Reductive Research on Physiological Genetics of Crop Physiology: Whole-System Research Complements Reductive Research, AMMI Statistical Model and Interaction Analysis, Photoperiod x Temperature Interaction Effects on the Days to Flowering of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotype, Temperature and Genotype x Temperature Interaction Effects on Yield of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) Control of Days to Flowering of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) by Interaction of a Photoperiod Gene and a Non-photoperiod Gene. Physiological Aspects of Sustainable Plant/Crop Production: Sustainable Primary Production - Green Crop Fractionation: Effects of Species, Growth Conditions, and Physiological Development of Fractionation Products. (Part Contents).

Perspectives on Plant Competition

1992-01-01

Stephen C. Bunting , James B. Grace , David Tilman

Twenty contributions focus on how plants compete, and on the consequences of their competition, particularly as it affects the structure and dynamics of plant communities. Although a variety of divergent … Twenty contributions focus on how plants compete, and on the consequences of their competition, particularly as it affects the structure and dynamics of plant communities. Although a variety of divergent conceptual frameworks is presented, the editors stress and clarify the underlying definitions t

Cereal–Legume Intercropping Systems

1987-01-01

Francis Ofori , WR Stern

Knott's Handbook for Vegetable Growers

2006-09-27

Donald N. Maynard , George Hochmuth

PREFACE. PART 1: VEGETABLES AND THE VEGETABLE INDUSTRY. 01 BOTANICAL NAMES OF VEGETABLES NAMES OF VEGETABLES IN NINE LANGUAGES. 02 EDIBLE FLOWERS. 03 U.S. VEGETABLE PRODUCTION. 04 CONSUMPTION OF VEGETABLES … PREFACE. PART 1: VEGETABLES AND THE VEGETABLE INDUSTRY. 01 BOTANICAL NAMES OF VEGETABLES NAMES OF VEGETABLES IN NINE LANGUAGES. 02 EDIBLE FLOWERS. 03 U.S. VEGETABLE PRODUCTION. 04 CONSUMPTION OF VEGETABLES IN THE U.S. 05 WORLD VEGETABLE PRODUCTION. 06 NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF VEGETABLES. PART 2: PLANT GROWING AND GREENHOUSE VEGETABLE PRODUCTION. TRANSPLANT PRODUCTION. 01 PLANT GROWING CONTAINERS. 02 SEEDS AND SEEDING. 03 TEMPERATURE AND TIME REQUIREMENTS. 04 PLANT GROWING MIXES. 05 SOIL STERILIZATION. 06 FERTILIZING AND IRRIGATING TRANSPLANTS. 07 PLANT GROWING PROBLEMS. 08 CONDITIONING TRANSPLANTS. 09 ADDITIONAL TRANSPLANT PRODUCTION WEBSITES AND REFERENCES GREENHOUSE CROP PRODUCTION. 10 CULTURAL MANAGEMENT. 11 CARBON DIOXIDE ENRICHMENT. 12 SOILLESS CULTURE. 13 NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS. 14 TISSUE COMPOSITION. 15 ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON GREENHOUSE VEGETABLES. PART 3: FIELD PLANTING. 01 TEMPERATURES FOR VEGETABLES. 02 SCHEDULING SUCCESSIVE PLANTINGS. 03 TIME REQUIRED FOR SEEDLING EMERGENCE. 04 SEED REQUIREMENTS. 05 PLANTING RATES FOR LARGE SEEDS. 06 SPACING OF VEGETABLES. 07 PRECISION SEEDING. 08 SEED PRIMING. 09 VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION. 10 POLYETHYLENE MULCHES. 11 ROW COVERS. 12 WINDBREAKS. 13 ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON PLASTICULTURE. PART 4: SOILS AND FERTILIZERS. 01 NUTRIENT BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES. 02 ORGANIC MATTER. 03 SOIL-IMPROVING CROPS. 04 MANURES. 05 SOIL TEXTURE. 06 SOIL REACTION. 07 SALINITY. 08 FERTILIZERS. 09 FERTILIZER CONVERSION FACTORS. 10 NUTRIENT ABSORPTION. 11 PLANT ANALYSIS. 12 SOIL TESTS. 13 NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES. 14 MICRONUTRIENTS. 15 FERTILIZER DISTRIBUTORS. PART 5: WATER AND IRRIGATION. 01 SUGGESTIONS ON SUPPLYING WATER TO VEGETABLES. 02 ROOTING OF VEGETABLES. 03 SOIL MOISTURE. 04 SURFACE IRRIGATION. 05 OVERHEAD IRRIGATION. 06 DRIP OR TRICKLE IRRIGATION. 07 WATER QUALITY. PART 6: VEGETABLE PESTS AND PROBLEMS. 01 AIR POLLUTION. 02 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT. 03 SOIL SOLARIZATION. 04 PESTICIDE USE PRECAUTIONS. 05 PESTICIDE APPLICATION AND EQUIPMENT. 06 VEGETABLE SEED TREATMENT. 07 NEMATODES. 08 DISEASES. 09 INSECTS. 10 PEST MANAGEMENT IN ORGANIC PRODUCTION SYSTEMS. 11 WILDLIFE CONTROL. PART 7: WEED MANAGEMENT. 01 WEED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES. 02 WEED IDENTIFICATION. 03 NOXIOUS WEEDS. 04 WEED CONTROL IN ORGANIC FARMING. 05 COVER CROPS AND ROTATION IN WEED MANAGEMENT. 06 HERBICIDES. 07 WEED CONTROL RECOMMENDATIONS. PART 8: HARVESTING, HANDLING, AND STORAGE. 01 FOOD SAFETY. 02 GENERAL POSTHARVEST HANDLING PROCEDURES. 03 PREDICTING HARVEST DATES AND YIELDS. 04 COOLING VEGETABLES. 05 VEGETABLE STORAGE. 06 CHILLING AND ETHYLENE INJURY. 07 POSTHARVEST DISEASES. 08 VEGETABLE QUALITY. 09 U.S. STANDARDS FOR VEGETABLES. 10 MINIMALLY PROCESSED VEGETABLES. 11 CONTAINERS FOR VEGETABLES. 12 VEGETABLE MARKETING. PART 9: VEGETABLE SEEDS. 01 SEED LABELS. 02 SEED GERMINATION TESTS. 03 SEED GERMINATION STANDARDS. 04 SEED PRODUCTION. 05 SEED YIELDS. 06 SEED STORAGE. 07 VEGETABLE VARIETIES. 08 VEGETABLE SEED SOURCES. PART 10: APPENDIX. 01 SOURCES OF VEGETABLE INFORMATION. 02 PERIODICALS FOR VEGETABLE GROWERS. 03 U.S. UNITS OF MEASUREMENT. 04 CONVERSION FACTORS FOR U.S. UNITS. 05 METRIC UNITS OF MEASUREMENT. 06 CONVERSION FACTORS FOR SI AND NON SI UNITS. 07 CONVERSIONS FOR RATES OF APPLICATION. 08 WATER AND SOIL SOLUTION CONVERSION FACTORS. 09 HEAT AND ENERGY EQUIVALENTS AND DEFINITIONS. INDEX.

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<scp>Page, A. L., R. H. Miller</scp> and <scp>D. R. Keeney</scp> (Ed., 1982): Methods of soil analysis; 2. Chemical and microbiological properties, 2. Aufl. 1184 S., American Soc. of Agronomy (Publ.), Madison, Wisconsin, USA, gebunden 36 Dollar.

1985-01-01

Hans‐Peter Blume

Fundamentals of Soil Behavior

1976-07-01

J. M. Bradford

A simple model relating yield loss to weed density

1985-10-01

Roger Cousens

SUMMARY A simple model is developed to describe crop yield loss as a function of weed density. The model, a rectangular hyperbola, has two agronomically meaningful parameters which together can … SUMMARY A simple model is developed to describe crop yield loss as a function of weed density. The model, a rectangular hyperbola, has two agronomically meaningful parameters which together can be used as indices of competitiveness. Examples are given where the model is fitted to experiments from the literature. Seventeen other models are compared through application to 22 data sets. It was found that for the data available two‐parameter yield loss models were generally sufficient. The hyperbolic model gave the best description of data, but this was only marginally better than three other models. This conclusion is discussed with reference to the popular sigmoidal model.

Crop Rotation and Intercropping Strategies for Weed Management

1993-02-01

Matt Liebman , Elizabeth Dyck

Results of a literature survey indicate that weed population density and biomass production may be markedly reduced using crop rotation (temporal diversification) and intercropping (spatial diversification) strategies. Crop rotation resulted … Results of a literature survey indicate that weed population density and biomass production may be markedly reduced using crop rotation (temporal diversification) and intercropping (spatial diversification) strategies. Crop rotation resulted in emerged weed densities in test crops that were lower in 21 cases, higher in 1 case, and equivalent in 5 cases in comparison to monoculture systems. In 12 cases where weed seed density was reported, seed density in crop rotation was lower in 9 cases and equivalent in 3 cases when compared to monocultures of the component crops. In intercropping systems where a main crop was intersown with a "smother" crop species, weed biomass in the intercrop was lower in 47 cases and higher in 4 cases than in the main crop grown alone (as a sole crop); a variable response was observed in 3 cases. When intercrops were composed of two or more main crops, weed biomass in the intercrop was lower than in all of the component sole crops in 12 cases, intermediate between component sole crops in 10 cases, and higher than all sole crops in 2 cases. It is unclear why crop rotation studies have focused on weed density, whereas intercropping studies have focused on weed biomass. The success of rotation systems for weed suppression appears to be based on the use of crop sequences that create varying patterns of resource competition, allelopathic interference, soil disturbance, and mechanical damage to provide an unstable and frequently inhospitable environment that prevents the proliferation of a particular weed species. The relative importance and most effective combinations of these weed control tactics have not been adequately assessed. In addition, the weed—suppressive effects of other related factors, such as manipulation of soil fertility dynamics in rotation sequences, need to be examined. Intercrops may demonstrate weed control advantages over sole crops in two ways. First, greater crop yield and less weed growth may be achieved if intercrops are more effective than sole crops in usurping resources from weeds or suppressing weed growth through allelopathy. Alternatively, intercrops may provide yield advantages without suppressing weed growth below levels observed in component sole crops if intercrops use resources that are not exploitable by weeds or convert resources to harvestable material more efficiently than sole crops. Because of the difficulty of monitoring the use of multiple resources by intercrop/weed mixtures throughout the growing season, identification of specific mechanisms of weed suppression and yield enhancement in intercrop systems has so far proven elusive. Significant advances in the design and improvement of weed—suppressive crop rotation and intercropping systems are most likely to occur if three important areas of research are addressed. First, there must be continued attention to the study of weed population dynamics and crop—weed interference in crop rotation and intercropping systems. More information is needed concerning the effects of diversification of cropping systems on weed seed longevity, weed seedling emergence, weed seed production and dormancy, agents of weed mortality, differential resource consumption by crops and weeds, and allelopathic interactions. Second, there needs to be systematic manipulation of specific components of rotation and intercropping systems to isolate and improve those elements (e.g., interrow cultivation, choice of crop genotype) or combinations of elements that may be especially important for weed control. Finally, the weed—related impacts of combining crop rotation and intercropping strategies should be assessed through careful study of extant, complex farming systems and the design and testing of new integrated approaches. Many aspects of crop rotation and intercropping are compatible with current farming practices and could become more accessible to farmers if government policies are restructured to reflect the true environmental costs of agricultural production.

Diversity enhances agricultural productivity via rhizosphere phosphorus facilitation on phosphorus-deficient soils

2007-06-26

Long Li , Shumin Li , Jianhao Sun +4 more

Intercropping, which grows at least two crop species on the same pieces of land at the same time, can increase grain yields greatly. Legume-grass intercrops are known to overyield because … Intercropping, which grows at least two crop species on the same pieces of land at the same time, can increase grain yields greatly. Legume-grass intercrops are known to overyield because of legume nitrogen fixation. However, many agricultural soils are deficient in phosphorus. Here we show that a new mechanism of overyielding, in which phosphorus mobilized by one crop species increases the growth of a second crop species grown in alternate rows, led to large yield increases on phosphorus-deficient soils. In 4 years of field experiments, maize (Zea mays L.) overyielded by 43% and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) overyielded by 26% when intercropped on a low-phosphorus but high-nitrogen soil. We found that overyielding of maize was attributable to below-ground interactions between faba bean and maize in another field experiment. Intercropping with faba bean improved maize grain yield significantly and above-ground biomass marginally significantly, compared with maize grown with wheat, at lower rates of P fertilizer application (<75 kg of P(2)O(5) per hectare), and not significantly at high rate of P application (>112.5 kg of P(2)O(5) per hectare). By using permeable and impermeable root barriers, we found that maize overyielding resulted from its uptake of phosphorus mobilized by the acidification of the rhizosphere via faba bean root release of organic acids and protons. Faba bean overyielded because its growth season and rooting depth differed from maize. The large increase in yields from intercropping on low-phosphorus soils is likely to be especially important on heavily weathered soils.

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Agroecological practices for sustainable agriculture. A review

2013-09-26

Alexander Wezel , Marion Casagrande , Florian Celette +3 more

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The Concept of a ‘Land Equivalent Ratio’ and Advantages in Yields from Intercropping

1980-07-01

R. Mead , R. W. Willey

SUMMARY Criteria for evaluating different intercropping situations are suggested, and the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) concept is considered for situations where intercropping must be compared with growing each crop sole. … SUMMARY Criteria for evaluating different intercropping situations are suggested, and the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) concept is considered for situations where intercropping must be compared with growing each crop sole. The need to use different standardizing sole crop yields in forming LERs is discussed, and a method of calculating an ‘effective LER’ is proposed to evaluate situations where the yield proportions achieved in intercropping are different from those that might be required by a farmer. The possible importance of effective LERs in indicating the proportions of crops likely to give biggest yield advantages is discussed.

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Tropical Crops: Monocotyledons

1973-11-01

A. C. Smith , J. W. Purseglove

Ecological principles underlying the increase of productivity achieved by cereal-grain legume intercrops in organic farming. A review

2015-04-09

Laurent Bedoussac , Etienne‐Pascal Journet , Henrik Hauggaard‐Nielsen +5 more

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Grain yield, symbiotic N2 fixation and interspecific competition for inorganic N in pea-barley intercrops

1996-05-01

Erik Steen Jensen

Fundamental Differences Between Conventional and Organic Tomato Agroecosystems in California

1995-11-01

Laurie E. Drinkwater , Deborah K. Letourneau , F. Workneh +2 more

In an integrated, multidisciplinary study we compared ecological characteristics and productivity of commercial farms categorized as either organic (ORG) or conventional (CNV) based on their use of synthetic fertilizers and … In an integrated, multidisciplinary study we compared ecological characteristics and productivity of commercial farms categorized as either organic (ORG) or conventional (CNV) based on their use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides or reliance on organic soil amendments and biological pest control. We measured belowground parameters: various soil chemical and biological properties and root disease severity; common agronomic indicators: biomass, fruit yield and insect pest damage; and community level indicators, including arthropod diversity and soil microbial activity and diversity. CNV and ORG production systems could not be distinguished based on agronomic criteria such as fruit yield and arthropod pest damage levels. However, differences were demonstrated in many soil, plant, disease, and diversity indicators suggesting that the ecological processes determining yields and pest levels in these two management systems are distinct. In particular, nitrogen mineralization potential and microbial and parasitoid abundance and diversity were higher in ORG farms. Differences between the agroecosystems were sufficiently robust to be distinguished from environmental variation and suggest that biological processes compensated for reductions in the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Faba bean in cropping systems

2009-11-20

Erik Steen Jensen , Mark B. Peoples , Henrik Hauggaard‐Nielsen

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Interspecific competition, N use and interference with weeds in pea–barley intercropping

2001-04-01

Henrik Hauggaard‐Nielsen , Per Ambus , Erik Steen Jensen

Root Nodule Bacteria and Leguminous Plants

1939-12-01

E. B. Fred , I. L. Baldwin , Elizabeth McCoy

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Principles of crop improvement

1979-01-01

N. W. Simmonds

Principles of crop improvement , Principles of crop improvement , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی Principles of crop improvement , Principles of crop improvement , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی

Increasing Cropping System Diversity Balances Productivity, Profitability and Environmental Health

2012-10-10

Adam S. Davis , Jason Hill , Craig A. Chase +2 more

Balancing productivity, profitability, and environmental health is a key challenge for agricultural sustainability. Most crop production systems in the United States are characterized by low species and management diversity, high … Balancing productivity, profitability, and environmental health is a key challenge for agricultural sustainability. Most crop production systems in the United States are characterized by low species and management diversity, high use of fossil energy and agrichemicals, and large negative impacts on the environment. We hypothesized that cropping system diversification would promote ecosystem services that would supplement, and eventually displace, synthetic external inputs used to maintain crop productivity. To test this, we conducted a field study from 2003–2011 in Iowa that included three contrasting systems varying in length of crop sequence and inputs. We compared a conventionally managed 2-yr rotation (maize-soybean) that received fertilizers and herbicides at rates comparable to those used on nearby farms with two more diverse cropping systems: a 3-yr rotation (maize-soybean-small grain + red clover) and a 4-yr rotation (maize-soybean-small grain + alfalfa-alfalfa) managed with lower synthetic N fertilizer and herbicide inputs and periodic applications of cattle manure. Grain yields, mass of harvested products, and profit in the more diverse systems were similar to, or greater than, those in the conventional system, despite reductions of agrichemical inputs. Weeds were suppressed effectively in all systems, but freshwater toxicity of the more diverse systems was two orders of magnitude lower than in the conventional system. Results of our study indicate that more diverse cropping systems can use small amounts of synthetic agrichemical inputs as powerful tools with which to tune, rather than drive, agroecosystem performance, while meeting or exceeding the performance of less diverse systems.

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Phosphorus Uptake by Pigeon Pea and Its Role in Cropping Systems of the Indian Subcontinent

1990-04-27

Noriharu Ae , Joji Arihara , Kensuke Okada +2 more

Pigeon pea was shown to be more efficient at utilizing iron-bound phosphorus (Fe-P) than several other crop species. This ability is attributed to root exudates, in particular piscidic acid and … Pigeon pea was shown to be more efficient at utilizing iron-bound phosphorus (Fe-P) than several other crop species. This ability is attributed to root exudates, in particular piscidic acid and its p-O-methyl derivative, which release phosphorus from Fe-P by chelating Fe(3+). Pigeon pea is normally intercropped with cereals under low-input conditions in the Indian subcontinent. Although pigeon pea can utilize the relatively insoluble Fe-P, intercropped cereals must rely on the more soluble calcium-bound phosphorus. This finding suggests that cultivation of pigeon pea increases total phosphorus availability in cropping systems with low available phosphorus.

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Mixing plant species in cropping systems: concepts, tools and models. A review

2008-03-14

Éric Malézieux , Yves Crozat , Christian Dupraz +6 more

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QUALITY APPRAISAL OF WHITE SPRUCE AND WHITE PINE SEEDLING STOCK IN NURSERIES

1960-03-01

Alexander Dickson , Albert L. Leaf , John F. Hosner

Total seedling weight, shoot weight and root weight in grams on an oven dry basis, root collar diameter in millimeters, and height in centimeters were used to develop an integrated … Total seedling weight, shoot weight and root weight in grams on an oven dry basis, root collar diameter in millimeters, and height in centimeters were used to develop an integrated index of seedling quality.

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Potential of legume‐based grassland–livestock systems in Europe: a review

2014-04-16

A. Lúscher , I. Mueller‐Harvey , Jean‐François Soussana +2 more

Abstract European grassland‐based livestock production systems face the challenge of producing more meat and milk to meet increasing world demands and to achieve this using fewer resources. Legumes offer great … Abstract European grassland‐based livestock production systems face the challenge of producing more meat and milk to meet increasing world demands and to achieve this using fewer resources. Legumes offer great potential for achieving these objectives. They have numerous features that can act together at different stages in the soil–plant–animal–atmosphere system, and these are most effective in mixed swards with a legume proportion of 30–50%. The resulting benefits include reduced dependence on fossil energy and industrial N‐fertilizer, lower quantities of harmful emissions to the environment (greenhouse gases and nitrate), lower production costs, higher productivity and increased protein self‐sufficiency. Some legume species offer opportunities for improving animal health with less medication, due to the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites. In addition, legumes may offer an adaptation option to rising atmospheric CO 2 concentrations and climate change. Legumes generate these benefits at the level of the managed land‐area unit and also at the level of the final product unit. However, legumes suffer from some limitations, and suggestions are made for future research to exploit more fully the opportunities that legumes can offer. In conclusion, the development of legume‐based grassland–livestock systems undoubtedly constitutes one of the pillars for more sustainable and competitive ruminant production systems, and it can be expected that forage legumes will become more important in the future.

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Using competitive and facilitative interactions in intercropping systems enhances crop productivity and nutrient-use efficiency

2003-01-01

Fusuo Zhang , Long Li

Cover crops and living mulches

2002-11-01

Nathan L. Hartwig , Hans Ulrich Ammon

Cover crops and living mulches bring many benefits to crop production. Interest in winter annual cover crops such as winter rye and hairy vetch for ground cover and soil erosion … Cover crops and living mulches bring many benefits to crop production. Interest in winter annual cover crops such as winter rye and hairy vetch for ground cover and soil erosion control has been increasing in the last 30 yr in some areas. The integration of cover crops into a cropping system by relay cropping, overseeding, interseeding, and double cropping may serve to provide and conserve nitrogen for grain crops, reduce soil erosion, reduce weed pressure, and increase soil organic matter content (Hartwig and Hoffman 1975). Hairy vetch has increased availability of nitrogen to succeeding crops, increased soil organic matter, improved soil structure and water infiltration, decreased water runoff, reduced surface soil temperature and water evaporation, improved weed control, and increased soil productivity (Frye et al. 1988). More recent research with perennial living mulches, such as crownvetch (Hartwig 1983), flatpea, birdsfoot trefoil, and white clover (Ammon et al. 1995), has added a new dimension to the use of ground covers that eliminates the need to reseed each year. Cropping systems with the use of ground covers have been worked out for vineyards, orchards, and common agronomic crops, such as corn, small grains, and forages. Legume cover crops have the potential for fixing nitrogen, a portion of which will be available for high-nitrogen–requiring crops such as corn. In areas where excess nitrogen is already a problem, the use of ground covers may provide a sink to tie up some of this excess nitrogen and hold it until the next growing season, when a crop that can make use of it might be planted (Hooda et al. 1998). Even legumes tend to use soil nitrogen rather than fixing their own, if it is available. It is these possibilities that provide the incentive for looking at the effect of various kinds of cover crops on soil erosion, nitrogen budgets, weed control, and other pest management and environmental problems.

Plant diversity and overyielding: insights from belowground facilitation of intercropping in agriculture

2014-03-24

Long Li , David Tilman , Hans Lambers +1 more

Summary Despite increasing evidence that plant diversity in experimental systems may enhance ecosystem productivity, the mechanisms causing this overyielding remain debated. Here, we review studies of overyielding observed in agricultural … Summary Despite increasing evidence that plant diversity in experimental systems may enhance ecosystem productivity, the mechanisms causing this overyielding remain debated. Here, we review studies of overyielding observed in agricultural intercropping systems, and show that a potentially important mechanism underlying such facilitation is the ability of some crop species to chemically mobilize otherwise‐unavailable forms of one or more limiting soil nutrients such as phosphorus ( P ) and micronutrients (iron ( F e), zinc ( Z n) and manganese ( M n)). Phosphorus‐mobilizing crop species improve P nutrition for themselves and neighboring non‐ P ‐mobilizing species by releasing acid phosphatases, protons and/or carboxylates into the rhizosphere which increases the concentration of soluble inorganic P in soil. Similarly, on calcareous soils with a very low availability of F e and Z n, F e‐ and Z n‐mobilizing species, such as graminaceous monocotyledonous and cluster‐rooted species, benefit themselves, and also reduce F e or Z n deficiency in neighboring species, by releasing chelating substances. Based on this review, we hypothesize that mobilization‐based facilitative interactions may be an unsuspected, but potentially important mechanism enhancing productivity in both natural ecosystems and biodiversity experiments. We discuss cases in which nutrient mobilization might be occurring in natural ecosystems, and suggest that the nutrient mobilization hypothesis merits formal testing in natural ecosystems.

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MAX4andRMS1are orthologous dioxygenase-like genes that regulate shoot branching inArabidopsisand pea

2003-06-15

Karim Sorefan , Jon Booker , Karine Haurogné +7 more

Shoot branching is inhibited by auxin transported down the stem from the shoot apex. Auxin does not accumulate in inhibited buds and so must act indirectly. We show that mutations … Shoot branching is inhibited by auxin transported down the stem from the shoot apex. Auxin does not accumulate in inhibited buds and so must act indirectly. We show that mutations in the MAX4 gene of Arabidopsis result in increased and auxin-resistant bud growth. Increased branching in max4 shoots is restored to wild type by grafting to wild-type rootstocks, suggesting that MAX4 is required to produce a mobile branch-inhibiting signal, acting downstream of auxin. A similar role has been proposed for the pea gene, RMS1 . Accordingly, MAX4 and RMS1 were found to encode orthologous, auxin-inducible members of the polyene dioxygenase family.

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Integration of soil, crop and weed management in low‐external‐input farming systems

2000-02-01

Matt Liebman , Adam S. Davis

Greater adoption and refinement of low‐external‐input (LEI) farming systems have been proposed as ways to ameliorate economic, environmental and health problems associated with conventional farming systems. Organic soil amendments and … Greater adoption and refinement of low‐external‐input (LEI) farming systems have been proposed as ways to ameliorate economic, environmental and health problems associated with conventional farming systems. Organic soil amendments and crop diversification are basic components of LEI systems. Weed scientists can improve the use of these practices for weed management by improving knowledge of four relevant ecological mechanisms. First, multispecies crop rotations, intercrops and cover crops may reduce opportunities for weed growth and regeneration through resource competition and niche disruption. Secondly, weed species appear to be more susceptible to phytotoxic effects of crop residues and other organic soil amendments than crop species, possibly because of differences in seed mass. Thirdly, delayed patterns of N availability in LEI systems may favour large‐seeded crops over small‐seeded weeds. Finally, additions of organic materials can change the incidence and severity of soil‐borne diseases affecting weeds and crops. Our research on LEI sweetcorn and potato production systems in central and northern Maine (USA) suggests that these mechanisms can reduce weed density and growth while maintaining crop yields. Low‐external‐input farming systems will advance most quickly through the application of interdisciplinary research focused on these and other ecological mechanisms.

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Improving intercropping: a synthesis of research in agronomy, plant physiology and ecology

2014-11-03

Rob W. Brooker , Alison E. Bennett , Wen‐Feng Cong +7 more

Summary Intercropping is a farming practice involving two or more crop species, or genotypes, growing together and coexisting for a time. On the fringes of modern intensive agriculture, intercropping is … Summary Intercropping is a farming practice involving two or more crop species, or genotypes, growing together and coexisting for a time. On the fringes of modern intensive agriculture, intercropping is important in many subsistence or low‐input/resource‐limited agricultural systems. By allowing genuine yield gains without increased inputs, or greater stability of yield with decreased inputs, intercropping could be one route to delivering ‘sustainable intensification’. We discuss how recent knowledge from agronomy, plant physiology and ecology can be combined with the aim of improving intercropping systems. Recent advances in agronomy and plant physiology include better understanding of the mechanisms of interactions between crop genotypes and species – for example, enhanced resource availability through niche complementarity. Ecological advances include better understanding of the context‐dependency of interactions, the mechanisms behind disease and pest avoidance, the links between above‐ and below‐ground systems, and the role of microtopographic variation in coexistence. This improved understanding can guide approaches for improving intercropping systems, including breeding crops for intercropping. Although such advances can help to improve intercropping systems, we suggest that other topics also need addressing. These include better assessment of the wider benefits of intercropping in terms of multiple ecosystem services, collaboration with agricultural engineering, and more effective interdisciplinary research.

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Intercropping Its Importance And Research Needs Part 1. Competition And Yield Advantages Vol-32

1979-01-01

R. W. Willey

Crop Rotations for the 21st Century

1994-01-01

Douglas L. Karlen , Gary E. Varvel , D. G. Bullock +1 more

Shoot Competition and Root Competition

1988-04-01

J. Bastow Wilson

The low utilization efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer in agricultural ecosystem has caused serious economic and environmental issues. Dicyandiamide (DCD) is a widely used nitrification inhibitor, which can inhibit nitrification via … The low utilization efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer in agricultural ecosystem has caused serious economic and environmental issues. Dicyandiamide (DCD) is a widely used nitrification inhibitor, which can inhibit nitrification via affecting ammonia oxidizing microorganisms with minimal influence on other soil microorganisms, thereby reducing the leaching of nitrate and emission of greenhouse gases. The factors influencing the efficiency of DCD in soil include soil temperature, pH, texture, organic matter, moisture, etc. Recently, the application of molecular methods in agricultural systems has shed new light on the microbial mechanism underlying nitrification inhibition by DCD. In this review, the enzymatic inhibition mechanism, the application effects and their influence factors of DCD were summarized, and the prospects of its application were discussed as well.

Multiple benefits of legumes for agriculture sustainability: an overview

2017-01-19

Fabio Stagnari , Albino Maggio , Angelica Galieni +1 more

Food security, lowering the risk of climate change and meeting the increasing demand for energy will increasingly be critical challenges in the years to come. Producing sustainably is therefore becoming … Food security, lowering the risk of climate change and meeting the increasing demand for energy will increasingly be critical challenges in the years to come. Producing sustainably is therefore becoming central in agriculture and food systems. Legume crops could play an important role in this context by delivering multiple services in line with sustainability principles. In addition to serving as fundamental, worldwide source of high-quality food and feed, legumes contribute to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, as they release 5–7 times less GHG per unit area compared with other crops; allow the sequestration of carbon in soils with values estimated from 7.21 g kg−1 DM, 23.6 versus 21.8 g C kg−1 year; and induce a saving of fossil energy inputs in the system thanks to N fertilizer reduction, corresponding to 277 kg ha−1 of CO2 per year. Legumes could also be competitive crops and, due to their environmental and socioeconomic benefits, could be introduced in modern cropping systems to increase crop diversity and reduce use of external inputs. They also perform well in conservation systems, intercropping systems, which are very important in developing countries as well as in low-input and low-yield farming systems. Legumes fix the atmospheric nitrogen, release in the soil high-quality organic matter and facilitate soil nutrients' circulation and water retention. Based on these multiple functions, legume crops have high potential for conservation agriculture, being functional either as growing crop or as crop residue.

Intercropping with legume for agroecological cropping systems: Complementarity and facilitation processes and the importance of soil microorganisms. A review

2017-02-27

Olivier Duchêne , Jean-François Vian , Florian Celette

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Soil Testing and Plant Analysis

1974-07-01

P. W. Arnold

Benefits of increasing plant diversity in sustainable agroecosystems

2017-06-19

Forest Isbell , Paul R. Adler , Nico Eisenhauer +7 more

Summary Recent studies have revealed many potential benefits of increasing plant diversity in natural ecosystems, as well as in agroecosystems and production forests. Plant diversity potentially provides a partial to … Summary Recent studies have revealed many potential benefits of increasing plant diversity in natural ecosystems, as well as in agroecosystems and production forests. Plant diversity potentially provides a partial to complete substitute for many costly agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, pesticides, imported pollinators and irrigation. Diversification strategies include enhancing crop genetic diversity, mixed plantings, rotating crops, agroforestry and diversifying landscapes surrounding croplands. Here we briefly review studies considering how increasing plant diversity influences the production of crops, forage, and wood, yield stability, and several regulating and supporting agroecosystem services. We also discuss challenges and recommendations for diversifying agroecosystems. There is consistently strong evidence that strategically increasing plant diversity increases crop and forage yield, wood production, yield stability, pollinators, weed suppression and pest suppression, whereas effects of diversification on soil nutrients and carbon remain poorly understood. Synthesis . The benefits of diversifying agroecosystems are expected to be greatest where the aims are to sustainably intensify production while reducing conventional inputs or to optimize both yields and ecosystem services. Over the next few decades, as monoculture yields continue to decelerate or decline for many crops, and as demand for ecosystem services continues to rise, diversification could become an essential tool for sustaining production and ecosystem services in croplands, rangelands and production forests.

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Tropical Crops. Dicotyledons.

1969-11-01

N. W. Simmonds , J. W. Purseglove

Evaluating Cover Crops for Benefits, Costs and Performance within Cropping System Niches

2005-01-01

Sieglinde S. Snapp , Scott M. Swinton , Ricardo Labarta +5 more

The integration of cover crops into cropping systems brings costs and benefits, both internal and external to the farm. Benefits include promoting pest‐suppression, soil and water quality, nutrient cycling efficiency, … The integration of cover crops into cropping systems brings costs and benefits, both internal and external to the farm. Benefits include promoting pest‐suppression, soil and water quality, nutrient cycling efficiency, and cash crop productivity. Costs of adopting cover crops include increased direct costs, potentially reduced income if cover crops interfere with other attractive crops, slow soil warming, difficulties in predicting N mineralization, and production expenses. Cover crop benefits tend to be higher in irrigated systems. The literature is reviewed here along with Michigan farmer experience to evaluate promising cover crop species for four niches: Northern winter (USDA Hardiness Zones 5–6), Northern summer (Zones 5–6), Southern winter (Zones 7–8), and Southern summer (Zones 7–8). Warm season C 4 grasses are outstanding performers for summer niches (6–9 Mg ha −1 ), and rye ( Secale cereale L.) is the most promising for winter niches (0.8–6 Mg ha −1 ) across all hardiness zones reviewed. Legume–cereal mixtures such as sudangrass ( Sorghum sudanese L.)–cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L ) and wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)–red clover ( Trifolium pretense L.) are the most effective means to produce substantial amounts (28 Mg ha −1 ) of mixed quality residues. Legume covers are slow growers and expensive to establish. At the same time, legumes fix N, produce high quality but limited amounts (0.5–4 Mg ha −1 ) of residues, and enhance beneficial insect habitat. Brassica species produce glucosinolate‐containing residues (2–6 Mg ha −1 ) and suppress plant‐parasitic nematodes and soil‐borne disease. Legume cover crops are the most reliable means to enhance cash crop yields compared with fallows or other cover crop species. However, farmer goals and circumstances must be considered. If soil pests are a major yield limiting factor in cash crop production, then use of brassica cover crops should be considered. Cereal cover crops produce the largest amount of biomass and should be considered when the goal is to rapidly build soil organic matter. Legume–cereal or brassica–cereal mixtures show promise over a wide range of niches.

Ecology of Soil Seed Banks

1989-01-01

Effect of Legume-Finger Millet Intercropping on Finger Millet Productivity and Soil Organic Carbon Stocks

2025-06-25

Joseph Ekwangu , Twaha Ali Basamba Ateenyi , Susan Balaba Tumwebaze +3 more | East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology

The soils in the semi-arid areas of eastern Uganda are mainly ferralsols and plinthosols, characterised by low soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil fertility. On-farm experiments were therefore conducted in … The soils in the semi-arid areas of eastern Uganda are mainly ferralsols and plinthosols, characterised by low soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil fertility. On-farm experiments were therefore conducted in Kumi and Amuria districts in the parishes of Olupe and Kuju, respectively, in eastern Uganda. To assess the effect of finger millet legume integration options on finger millet productivity and soil organic carbon stocks. One farmer household with fields having ferralsols and plinthosols was purposively selected from each parish to host the experiment. The study adopted a factorial experiment, where two finger millet varieties (Seremi II, and NARO MIL 3) were the main plot, three legumes (groundnuts, green gram, and cowpeas) constituted the subplot, and one planting pattern (one row of legume and two rows of finger millet) made the sub-sub plot treatment, totaling eleven treatments. The experiment was laid down in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Three experimental seasons (2021 B, 2022 A, and 2022B) were conducted. Soil and crop data were collected and analysed using GenStat and Minitab 14th editions. Results revealed that intercropping finger millet (NARO MIL 3 and SEREMI II) with cowpea recorded the highest yield returns (2617 and 2387) kg ha-1, respectively, land equivalent ratio of 1.8 and 1.2, respectively, and SOC of 0.310 t ha-1 yr-1. It was therefore concluded that intercropping finger millet with cowpea at a 1x2 planting arrangement improves finger millet yield and SOC stocks in ferralsols and plinthosols.

Performance of Turmeric as Intercrop in Aonla-Based Hortifarming System in Northwest Alluvial Plain of Bihar

2025-06-24

Dipty Kumar Das , Ramesh K. Jha , Sanchita Ghosh +4 more | Deleted Journal

Assessment of Brown top Millet Productivity and Fertility Status of Soil Grown as Intercropping with Different Legumes in Northern Transitional Zone of Karnataka

2025-06-23

H. P. Darshan , C. P. Mansur , D. Shivamurthy +1 more | International Journal of Economic Plants

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season (June to October, 2021) at Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka, India to study the productivity and fertility status of soil … A field experiment was conducted during kharif season (June to October, 2021) at Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka, India to study the productivity and fertility status of soil as intercropping browntop millet with legumes. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with thirteen treatments with three replications. Among thirteen treatments the browntop millet was intercropped with different legumes viz., groundnut, soybean, green gram and black gram in 4:2 and 2:1 row ratio and remaining treatments were individual sole crops. Among the different cropping systems, sole browntop millet was observed significantly higher grain and straw yield (973.61 and 2340.80 kg ha-1, respectively), but among the intercropping systems the 4:2 row proportion of browntop millet + groundnut was recorded higher grain yield (674.31 kg ha-1) and straw yield (1580.30 kg ha-1). There was no significant differences were seen between the different treatments in case of harvest index, but smong the different cropping system sole browntop millet was recorded numerically higher harvest index (32.81) and among the different intercropping system browntop millet+black gram with 2:1 row ratio was recorded numerically higher value (31.00). Among the different intercropping system browntop millet+black gram at 2:1 row ratio was recorded numerically higher available N (218.16 kg ha-1), P2O5 (28.37 kg ha-1) and K2O (271.57 kg ha-1) in the soil after crop harvest.

Effect of Fertigation on Soil Nutrients, Microbial Activity, Plant and Fruit(s) Growth Parameters Grown Under Tropical Environments: A Discussion

2025-06-23

R. Sneha , V. Jegadeeswari , K R Vijayalatha +4 more | Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis

Overyielding of maize cultivar mixtures is associated with interaction-driven depth partitioning of roots

2025-06-23

Ye Su , Weiping Zhang , Hao Yang +3 more | Field Crops Research

Effect of liquid biofertilizers and soil nutrient management on yield attributes and productivity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

2025-06-23

Om Prakash Prajapat , Surendra Pratap Singh , Laavanya Yadav | Vegetos

Effects of three invasive alien plant species on soil attributes at different disturbance gradients in Aizawl, Mizoram, North East India

2025-06-23

Roger Bruce Syngkli , Baby Lalremruati , Prabhat Kumar | Vegetos

Genistein Exudation Drives Spatial Root Allocation and Heterogeneous Microbial Communities to Enhance Phosphorus Acquisition in Soybean‐Maize Intercropping

2025-06-22

B. Zhang , Huadong Jiang , Guitian Zheng +7 more | Plant Cell & Environment

ABSTRACT Soybean‐maize intercropping improves phosphate (Pi) acquisition in phosphorus (P) deficient soils through flavonoid‐mediated plant‐microbe interactions. Yet, the molecular mechanisms driving spatially heterogeneous root‐microbe interactions mediated by secreted flavonoids remain … ABSTRACT Soybean‐maize intercropping improves phosphate (Pi) acquisition in phosphorus (P) deficient soils through flavonoid‐mediated plant‐microbe interactions. Yet, the molecular mechanisms driving spatially heterogeneous root‐microbe interactions mediated by secreted flavonoids remain unexplored. Using GmHAD1‐2 suppression line (Ri) and wild‐type (WT), we demonstrated that root‐secreted flavonoids, particularly genistein, drive spatial differentiation of root allocation and rhizosphere microbial communities in intercropped soybean with maize, specifically under low‐P conditions. Compared to WT, Ri reduced genistein secretion and restricted root allocation to the root non‐interaction zone, thereby diminishing the intercropping advantage by less shoot biomass and P uptake. In all cropping systems, WT in intercropping recruited Bacillus in root non‐interaction zones, while Pseudomonas in root interaction zones. Furthermore, inoculation experiments demonstrated their synergistic roles. Bacillus stimulated root elongation and enhanced transcription of auxin‐responsive genes (i.e., GmPIN2b and GmYUC2a ), whereas Pseudomonas elevated Pi availability in rhizosphere soils and upregulated Pi transporters (i.e., GmPHF1 and GmPT4 ). Taken together, spatial root allocation and heterogeneous microbial communities across root zones play a critical role in determining intercropping advantages, which is regulated by genistein exudation in soybean roots. Our study provides novel insights into root exudate‐driven microbial zonation as a strategic adaptation to nutrient stress, with implications for optimising sustainable intercropping systems.

Comparative Study of Moisture Dynamics in the Soils of Two Different Sugarcane-Based Cropping System (Viz: Intercropping and Sole) in Western Indo-Gangetic Plains of Uttar Pradesh

2025-06-21

Shivam Singh , Richa Raghuvanshi , Satendra Kumar +5 more | National Academy Science Letters

Rhizosphere transplants from Guinea grass support the yield and modulate the microbiota of chili and rice root systems depending on the plant's variety and growth stage

2025-06-20

Lorenzo Vergani , Mekhala Chandrasekara , Chathurika Wanninayake +3 more | Applied Soil Ecology

The Improvement Effects of Intercropping Systems on Saline-Alkali Soils and Their Impact on Microbial Communities

2025-06-20

Yanjun Wang , Gaoxiang Qi , Nana Wang +7 more | Microorganisms

Saline-alkali soil has poor fertility and low organic matter content, which are key factors that limit agricultural productivity. Intercropping systems can enhance biodiversity in farmlands, thereby increasing the organic matter … Saline-alkali soil has poor fertility and low organic matter content, which are key factors that limit agricultural productivity. Intercropping systems can enhance biodiversity in farmlands, thereby increasing the organic matter content. During this process, soil microorganisms respond to environmental changes. Therefore, we conducted a three-year intercropping enhancement experiment using saline-alkali soil. To avoid nutrient and microbial differences caused by the varying nutrient demands of different crop types, we systematically sampled the tillage layer of the soil (0–20 cm) from the subsequent crop (wheat season) in the intercropping systems. We found that compared to the control group, the three intercropping systems significantly increased the nutrient content in saline-alkali soil, including total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, organic matter, available nitrogen, and available potassium. Notably, there were significant increases in total nitrogen, organic matter, and available potassium. The intercropping systems had varying effects on the alpha and beta diversities of soil bacteria and fungi. Specifically, the effect of intercropping on fungal alpha diversity was significantly greater than that on bacterial alpha diversity, whereas its effect on bacterial beta diversity was greater than that on fungal beta diversity. Additionally, intercropping influenced microbial community composition, increasing the abundance of Acidobacteria and Gemmatimonadetes and decreasing the abundance of Actinobacteria. It also increased the abundance of Ascomycota and Mortierella and decreased the abundance of Basidiomycota. Total nitrogen and soil organic matter were identified as the primary environmental factors that significantly affected bacterial community composition; however, they had no significant impact on fungal communities. Intercropping had different effects on the fungal and bacterial networks. It increased the stability and complexity of the bacterial network. However, although it improved the stability of the fungal network, intercropping reduced its complexity. In summary, intercropping with leguminous plants is an effective way to enhance soil nutrients, particularly organic matter, in saline-alkali soils. Simultaneously, intercropping affects the soil microbial community structure of subsequent crops; however, the responses of bacteria and fungi to intercropping are significantly different. The results of this study provide data support for improving saline-alkali land through planting systems.

Effect of cultivar selection on symbiotic nitrogen fixation and yield traits of pea cultivars in intercropping with wheat

2025-06-19

Chathuranga De Silva , Pramod Rathor , Thomas D. Warkentin +2 more | Discover Agriculture

In recent decades, agricultural practices have shifted from diverse cropping systems to monocropping, leading to soil degradation, nutrient depletion, and reduced biodiversity, which threaten long-term productivity and ecosystem sustainability. This … In recent decades, agricultural practices have shifted from diverse cropping systems to monocropping, leading to soil degradation, nutrient depletion, and reduced biodiversity, which threaten long-term productivity and ecosystem sustainability. This study aimed to explore how legume cultivar selection influences pea (Pisum sativum L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) intercropping, focusing on symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation, yield, seed N, and land productivity. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using various pea cultivars that were released in different decades [Century (1960), Trapper (1970), CDC Golden (2002), CDC Amarillo (2012), and CDC Spectrum (2016)] under monocropping and intercropping with wheat to evaluate the yield parameters and symbiotic N fixation capabilities of pea. The old, long-vined pea cultivars (Century and Trapper) had higher seed dry weight (62.9-66.3%), number of pods (82.7-100%) and number of seeds (126.9-163.5%) than the newer, moderate vine length cultivars (CDC Golden, CDC Amarillo and CDC Spectrum) under intercropping. On the other hand, the companion wheat crop had a greater yield (29.8-69.9%) and seed N (31.1-65.5%) when intercropped with the newer pea cultivars. Intercropping enhanced N fixation (0.7-7.5%) in peas across cultivars; however, the older cultivars contributed more to the overall system's N fixation and N carry-over compared to the newer cultivars. While the harvest index, land equivalent ratio (LER), and N-based LER (LERN) of intercropped wheat were not significantly higher than mono-cropped wheat, the increased partial LER and LERN for wheat highlight intercropping benefits. Overall, newer pea cultivars enhanced pea-wheat intercropping by improving productivity and resource efficiency, highlighting the importance of legume cultivar selection in intercropping.

Cultivo consorciado de alface e rúcula tratados com preparados homeopáticos em sistema agroecológico

2025-06-18

Roberto Luiz Queiroz , Nelson Delú Filho , Tácio Peres da Silva +4 more | OBSERVATÓRIO DE LA ECONOMÍA LATINOAMERICANA

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do medicamento homeopático Sulphur sobre variáveis de desenvolvimento de rúcula (Eruca sativa) e alface (Lactuca sativa), cultivadas em monocultivo e consórcio. Foram … Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do medicamento homeopático Sulphur sobre variáveis de desenvolvimento de rúcula (Eruca sativa) e alface (Lactuca sativa), cultivadas em monocultivo e consórcio. Foram utilizadas duas dinamizações de Sulphur (6 CH e 12 CH) na escala centesimal. O experimento foi conduzido em canteiros de 1,20 m², com aplicações do medicamento a cada 48 horas até a colheita da rúcula. Avaliaram-se: massa fresca das folhas e das raízes, número de folhas, comprimento da maior folha e volume radicular. As dinamizações 6 CH e 12 CH de Sulphur promoveram aumentos de 68,2% e 46,1% na massa fresca foliar de alface, respectivamente, bem como melhorias no desempenho da rúcula em monocultivo, quando comparado ao consórcio. O sistema radicular da rúcula cultivada isoladamente e tratada com 6 CH apresentou maior massa fresca e volume radicular. Os resultados indicam que Sulphur na dinamização 6 CH pode ser uma alternativa natural para incrementar a produtividade de rúcula e alface em monocultivo. Além disso, a ausência de diferenças significativas na produção de folhas no sistema consorciado evidencia a viabilidade fitotécnica do espaçamento de 30 × 30 cm para alface e 15 × 15 cm para rúcula.

Оценка влияния изреживания загущенных сосновых насаждений на разнообразие характера роста деревьев

2025-06-18

Ю. П. Демаков , О.В. Шейкина , Evgenii Sharapov | Известия СПбЛТА

Актуальность исследования обусловлена необходимостью совершенствования технологий плантационного лесовыращивания, включающих в том числе и рубки ухода, обеспечивающих повышение его экономической эффективности и производительности древостоев. Цель исследования – оценка влияния разных вариантов … Актуальность исследования обусловлена необходимостью совершенствования технологий плантационного лесовыращивания, включающих в том числе и рубки ухода, обеспечивающих повышение его экономической эффективности и производительности древостоев. Цель исследования – оценка влияния разных вариантов изреживания 15-летних искусственно созданных насаждений сосны обыкновенной (Pinus sylvestris L.) на структурное разнообразие древостоя по характеру роста деревьев и их реакций на колебания климата. Исследования проведены на опытном объекте, расположенном в одном из лесничеств Республики Марий Эл, спустя 30 лет после проведения изреживания древостоя, интенсивность которого изменялась от 25 до 80% по количеству стволов, густота первоначально составляла 10 тыс. экз./га. Измерение радиального годичного прироста проведено у 60 деревьев (по 12 в каждом из пяти вариантов опыта) с погрешностью ± 0,05 мм. Установлено, что древостой во всех вариантах опыта очень неоднороден по характеру роста деревьев, среди которых выделяются группы, диаметрально отличающиеся друг от друга по экологическим требованиям к условиям среды. Раннее интенсивное изреживание загущенных древостоев, созданных в борах Республики Марий Эл, не оказало существенного влияния на разнообразие их структуры по характеру роста деревьев. Увеличение радиального прироста деревьев отмечалось только в первые восемь лет после этого мероприятия, а затем его величина на контрольных секциях была более высокой. Ценопопуляции древесных растений являются саморегулирующимися динамическими системами, величина текущего годичного прироста деревьев в которых управляется механизмом стабилизирующего отбора, действующего на основе обратных связей между ними: у особей с высоким значением прироста его величина в следующем году обычно снижается, что обеспечивает удержание этого параметра в рамках конкретных условий среды. Изреживание древостоя не оказывало существенного влияния на работу этого механизма. There is a high need to improve plantation forest cultivation technologies, including thinning, that ensures an increase in its economic efficiency and productivity of forest stands. The objective of the research is to assess the impact of different thinning options of 15-year-old artificially regenerated Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands on the structural diversity of the forest stand in terms of tree growth patterns and their responses to climate fluctuations. The authors studied anexperimental site based in one of the Mari El forestries, 30 years after the thinning of the forest stand, the intensity of which varied from 25 to 80% by the number of trunks with the initial density of 10 thousand specimens/ha. The radial annual growth was measured on 60 trees (12 in each of the five experimental variants) with an error of ± 0.05 mm. The authors proved that the forest stand in all experimental variants was heterogeneous in the nature of tree growth, among which there are groups that are diametrically different from each other in terms of ecological requirements for environmental conditions. Early intensive dense forest stands thinning generated in the pine forests of the Mari El Republic did not have a significant impact on the diversity of their structure in terms of tree growth patterns. However, an increase in the radial growth of trees was traceable within the first eight years after thinning, later on its value in the control sections was higher. Coenopopulations of woody plants are self-regulating dynamic systems, the value of the current annual growth of trees in which is guided by the mechanism of stabilizing selection, based on the feedback among them. The specimens with a high growth rate normally will show a decrease in value in the following year, which ensures that this parameter is maintained within the framework of specific environmental conditions. Thus, we are concluding that the thinning of the tree stand has not had a significant impact on the way this mechanism works.

Photosynthetic performance and yield of intercropped maize and soybean are directly opposite under different intercropping ratios and maize planting densities interactions

2025-06-18

Gu Yan , Rotimi George Ibitoye , J. He +2 more | Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture

Abstract BACKGROUND Maize–soybean intercropping, a sustainable intensification practice, has been extensively studied. However, systematic research on how maize planting density and crop allocation patterns influence yield‐related photosynthetic mechanisms in intercropping … Abstract BACKGROUND Maize–soybean intercropping, a sustainable intensification practice, has been extensively studied. However, systematic research on how maize planting density and crop allocation patterns influence yield‐related photosynthetic mechanisms in intercropping systems is scarce. This study conducted a two‐year field trial during the 2022 and 2023 planting seasons to evaluate the effects of intercropping ratios (M4S4: four rows maize to four rows soybean; M2S2: two rows maize to two rows soybean) and maize planting densities (D1: 45 000 plants ha −1 , D2: 52 500 plants ha −1 , D3: 60 000 plants ha −1 ) on photosynthetic performance and yield of maize and soybean, with monoculture as controls. RESULTS Compared to monoculture, the two‐season average of maize under M2S2 at D2 density showed the most significant increase (9.63–64.92%) in leaf area index, SPAD value (relative chlorophyll content), photosynthetic parameters (net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO 2 concentration), light interception, photochemical quenching and maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry, and the most significant decrease (13.11–31.23%) in penetration (Pr), reflectance (Re) and non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ), resulting in a 58.80% maize yield increase. Conversely, the two‐season average of soybean indicators in intercropping exhibited opposite trends to maize, with the worst performance at D3 under M2S2, increasing Pr, Re, and NPQ by 19.99–46.86%, and decreasing other photosynthetic parameters by 6.70–33.23%, with soybean yield decreasing by 36.03%. CONCLUSION Conclusively, intercropped maize with a similar monoculture density of 52 500 plants ha −1 under the M2S2 intercropping ratio produced the optimal photosynthetic performance and yield, with results opposite in intercropped soybean. Therefore, this intercropping ratio and planting density are recommended for sustainable maize production. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Quality characteristics of forage in the sowing year of a standard perennial pasture established with annual ryegrass, barley, and berseem clover as companion crops

2025-06-18

Hasan Beytullah DÖNMEZ , Rüştü Hatipoğlu | African Journal of Range and Forage Science

Response of Soil Biological Functions to Different Row Ratios and Bio Stimulants in a Wheat Chickpea Intercropping System

2025-06-17

Heisnam Sobhana Devi , Kangujam Bokado , Khaidem Jackson +4 more | Indian Journal of Agricultural Research

Background: Soil is a crucial natural resource and its health has been deteriorating at an increased pace. The application of biostimulants in different cropping systems could improve soil health by … Background: Soil is a crucial natural resource and its health has been deteriorating at an increased pace. The application of biostimulants in different cropping systems could improve soil health by increasing the soil buffering capacity while also encouraging the proliferation of beneficial soil microbes. The soil microbial activity provides an indicative response to plant growth and yield while promoting soil health. Methods: The experiment was performed in a spilt plot design with 3 replications and 16 treatment combinations. The main plots consist of M1: sole wheat, M2: sole chickpea, M3: wheat: chickpea (2:1), M4: wheat: chickpea (4:1) and subplot treatments includes S0: control, S1: Seaweed extract, S2: Humic and fulvic acid and S3: Amino acids. Result: The main plot treatments received a boost in the microbial activities through foliar application of biostimulants with sole chickpea (M2) receiving a remarkable increase in SMBC (245.72, 269.09, 263.61 µg g-1), DHA (12.71, 24.00, 19.46 µg TPF g-1 soil day-1) and UEA (1.30, 4.64, 4.05 µg urea N g-1 soil min-1) respectively at 45 DAS, 90 DAS and at harvest. Also, the seaweed extract treatment (S1) enumerated the highest SMBC (252.22, 276.27, 269.26), DHA (15.13, 25.97, 20.82) and UEA (1.32, 4.58, 4.24) respectively at 45 DAS, 90 DAS and at harvest. The other biostimulant treatments S2 (humic and fulvic acid) and S3 (amino acids) also performed well in comparison to the control. This study realises the importance of biostimulants for enhancing soil biological properties for better soil health.

Strategies to develop simple multi-species cover crop mixtures to enhance aboveground biomass and quality

2025-06-17

Robin Kümmerer , Diana Heuermann , Friedrich Laidig +2 more | Field Crops Research

Effects of Cover Crop Mixtures on Soil Health and Spring Oat Productivity

2025-06-17

Aušra Marcinkevičienė , Lina Marija Butkevičienė , Lina Skinulienė +1 more | Sustainability

Growing cover crop mixtures is a sustainable agriculture tool that helps to reduce fertilizer use and, at the same time, ensures lower environmental pollution. The aim of this research is … Growing cover crop mixtures is a sustainable agriculture tool that helps to reduce fertilizer use and, at the same time, ensures lower environmental pollution. The aim of this research is to assess the biomass of the aboveground part of cover crop mixtures and the nutrients accumulated in it and to determine their influence on the soil properties and productivity of spring oats (Avena sativa L.). The biomass of the aboveground part of cover crop mixtures of different botanical compositions varied from 2.33 to 2.67 Mg ha−1. As the diversity of plant species in cover crop mixtures increased, the accumulation of nutrients in the aboveground part biomass increased, and the risk of nutrient leaching was reduced. The post-harvest cover crop mixture TGS GYVA 365, consisting of eight short-lived and two perennial plant species, significantly reduced the mineral nitrogen content in the soil in spring and had the strongest positive effect on organic carbon content. Post-harvest cover crop mixtures TGS GYVA 365 and TGS D STRUKT 1 did not affect the content of available potassium in the soil but significantly reduced the content of available phosphorus. All tested cover crop mixtures, including the undersown TGS BIOM 1 and the post-harvest mixtures TGS D STRUKT 1 and TGS GYVA 365, reduced soil shear strength and improved soil structure, although the reduction was not statistically significant for TGS D STRUKT 1. Cover crop mixtures left on the soil surface as mulch had a positive effect on the chlorophyll concentration in oat leaves, number of grains per panicle, and oat grain yield. A significant positive correlation was found between oat grain yield and several yield components, including crop density, plant height, number of grains per panicle, and grain mass per panicle. These findings highlight the potential of diverse cover crop mixtures to reduce fertilizer dependency and improve oat productivity under temperate climate conditions.

Diversified Cropping Modulates Microbial Communities and Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Enhancing Soil Nutrients

2025-06-17

Zhongren Wang , Haicheng Xuan , Bei Liu +7 more | Agronomy

Crop diversification has been acknowledged as a means of lowering the environmental impact of agriculture without sacrificing agricultural output in recent years due to the growth of intensive agriculture. Crop … Crop diversification has been acknowledged as a means of lowering the environmental impact of agriculture without sacrificing agricultural output in recent years due to the growth of intensive agriculture. Crop rotation and intercropping—the methodical growing of two or more crops on one plot—are promising practices in this regard. Therefore, we conducted a quantitative bibliometric analysis of observed data between 2014 and 2024 to identify current research hotspots and future research trends in intercropping and crop rotation. A further secondary search for research advances in four key sub-areas (soil physicochemical properties, microbial diversity, greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, N2O, or CH4) and crop yield) was conducted based on keyword clustering. Our findings suggest that a crop diversification strategy can significantly increase soil nutrient content, optimize soil physicochemical properties, and regulate microbial community structure. In addition, this strategy can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, N2O, CH4), which will have a positive impact on the atmospheric environment. Crop diversification improves crop yield and quality, which in turn increases farmers’ economic returns. In order to maximize the effective production methods of crop rotation and intercropping, and to increase the efficiency of resource usage, this paper examines the development of research and practice on two cropping patterns worldwide.

Soil surface management for enhanced morpho-physiological traits, yield and water use efficiency of chickpea: A sustainable and climate resilient strategy

2025-06-16

Anita Kumawat , I. Rashmi , Shakir Ali +7 more | Field Crops Research

Effects of cereal-legume intercrop system design on weed suppression

2025-06-16

David Kottelenberg , Jochem B. Evers , Niels P. R. Anten +2 more | Research Square (Research Square)

<title>Abstract</title> Cereal-legume intercrops offer notable benefits in weed suppression. Complementarity, where crop species collectively utilize more resources than separately, and facilitation, where crops positively influence each other, have been proposed … <title>Abstract</title> Cereal-legume intercrops offer notable benefits in weed suppression. Complementarity, where crop species collectively utilize more resources than separately, and facilitation, where crops positively influence each other, have been proposed as mechanisms for enhanced weed suppression. Recent research points to selection, the phenomenon where the more suppressive crop species disproportionally acquires resources making the intercrop resemble this crop species, as the key mechanism. However, the requirements under which enhanced weed suppression occurs, and the level of expression of selection in different intercrop systems, needs to be further investigated to enable the design of weed suppressive intercrops. This study evaluates whether selection drives weed suppression in various cereal-legume combinations and intercrop designs and examines if intercrop behaviour concerning canopy cover aligns with such a selection effect. We conducted four field experiments over three years (2022–2024), focusing on crop species composition, mixing ratio, and spatial design. Cereals were generally stronger weed suppressors than legumes. In most intercrops weed biomass was lower than the average weed biomass of the sole crops. Just 25% cereal in the mixture achieved weed suppression comparable to that of sole crop cereals. A prediction model which accounted for the selection effect more accurately predicted intercrop weed biomass than the average of sole crop weed biomasses. Species choice and spatial design influenced weed suppression and the role of selection, as a difference in competitiveness between component crops and narrow row spacing promoting species interaction were required for the expression of a selection effect, resulting in enhanced weed suppression. These findings underscore the dominant role of selection in enhancing weed suppression of intercrops. Canopy cover was primarily influenced by cereals. Our findings confirm that selection is the dominant mechanism for weed suppression across diverse cereal-legume intercrop systems and demonstrated the impact of intercrop design on weed suppression.

Agronomic and Quality Traits of 30 Eggplant Germplasm Resources from China

2025-06-15

Jian Lyu , Jin Li , Xianglan Ma +6 more | Plants

(1) Background: Eggplant is a widely grown, high-value vegetable crop whose commercial demand has increased in recent years owing to its unique nutritional features. Variations in its agronomic and nutritional … (1) Background: Eggplant is a widely grown, high-value vegetable crop whose commercial demand has increased in recent years owing to its unique nutritional features. Variations in its agronomic and nutritional traits are of great importance in the selection of eggplant varieties. (2) Methods: In this study, 30 different eggplant varieties were evaluated concerning the morphological characteristics and nutritional value of their fruits. (3) Results: Among the eight morphological characteristics evaluated, the coefficient of variation was highest for fruit calyx thorns, pericarp brightness, and fruit shape index. The diversity index (H’) for pulp color was the largest, followed by pericarp brightness, but was the smallest for fruit weight. Principal component analysis showed that the morphological characteristics contributed 73.20% for the observed diversity among the 30 eggplant varieties, whereas eggplant fruit quality traits had a minor effect. Of note, significant differences in the soluble protein, vitamin C, nitrate, soluble sugar, organic acid, and mineral contents was observed within the samples, with organic acids, vitamin C, and hardness contributing more to the total variation observed. Multiple sets of correlations among the indices were found, with significant positive correlations between transverse diameter and hardness, fruit weight and fruit shape index, as well as between malic acid, fructose, and sucrose; (4) Conclusions: Altogether, these findings may help create breeding strategies to promote the selection of superior genotypes and help guide future germplasm collection.

Colchicine- and oryzalin-induced hexaploidy enhances nutrient levels and is a promising way to create new germplasms for Chinese chives

2025-06-15

Peng-Qiang Yao , Lihua Xie , Shuaizheng Qi +1 more | Plant Physiology and Biochemistry

Bio-organo-chemical fertilizers: a novel approach for improving sweet marjoram plant growth, essential oil quality and nutrient content

2025-06-14

S. Farouk , Seham El-Gamal , Khalid M. Elhindi +3 more | Journal of Plant Nutrition

Agronomic performance of soybeans in double-row soybean-maize intercropping systems under drought conditions in dryland areas

2025-06-13

Kisman , Farid Hemon , Suprayanti Martia Dewi +2 more | Journal of Water and Land Development

This study investigates the agronomic performance of high-protein soybean varieties under various double-row intercropping patterns in drought-affected dryland areas of Lombok, Indonesia. The research utilised an experimental approach using a … This study investigates the agronomic performance of high-protein soybean varieties under various double-row intercropping patterns in drought-affected dryland areas of Lombok, Indonesia. The research utilised an experimental approach using a split plot design. The main plot comprised four levels of double-row intercropping patterns (B): (B1) soybean sole cropping with a spacing of 40:20:15 cm, (B2) soybean-maize intercropping with a spacing of 70:20:15 cm, (B3) soybean-maize intercropping with a spacing of 60:20:15 cm, and (B4) soybean-maize intercropping with a spacing of 50:20:15 cm. The subplot included five high-protein soybean varieties (V): ‘Kemuning-1’ (V1), ‘Mutiara-2’ (V2), ‘Mutiara-3’ (V3), ‘Sugentan-2’ (V4), and ‘Gamasugen-2’ (V5). Each combination was replicated three times. The assessed agronomic traits included plant height, trifoliate leave number, node number, branch number, trifoliate leaf area, days to flowering, pod number, filled pod number, percent of unfilled pod, grain number, 100-grain mass, grain mass per plant, and grain yield per hectare. The results showed that the B×V interaction significantly influenced agronomic traits, including the number of nodes and branches, as well as yield and its components. The varieties ‘Kemuning-1’, ‘Mutiara-3’, and ‘Gamasugen-2’ produced better grain yields in sole cropping and double-row intercropping systems, but exhibited greater crop reductions under double- row intercropping, indicating lower adaptability to the system. In contrast, the consistent grain yield stability of ‘Mutiara-2’ and ‘Sugentan-2’ showed greater efficiency under double-row intercropping systems, indicating their superior adaptability to double-row intercropping conditions.

Mitigating continuous cropping barriers in tobacco through organic amendments-induced rhizosphere micro-environmental improvement

2025-06-13

Jie Huang , Xinyue Wang , Lili Yang +4 more | Frontiers in Plant Science

Organic amendments supply essential nutrients to crops and act as effective soil conditioners. This study investigates the effects and mechanisms of organic amendments on soil physicochemical properties and microbial diversity, … Organic amendments supply essential nutrients to crops and act as effective soil conditioners. This study investigates the effects and mechanisms of organic amendments on soil physicochemical properties and microbial diversity, aiming to provide technical solutions for alleviating continuous cropping obstacles. A three-year field experiment was conducted with four types of organic amendments: biological organic fertilizer (BF), carbon-polymerized organic water-soluble fertilizer (CF), potassium fulvate from mineral sources (PF), and microbial fertilizer (MF). The control group received no organic fertilizer application. Results showed that compared to the control, organic amendments significantly increased soil organic matter and available nutrient contents, organic matter and available phosphorus under BF (22.5 and 43.2 mg/kg, respectively) showed increases of 129.6% and 53.7%, respectively. Similarly, available potassium in PF (286.6mg/kg) was elevated by 47.3%. Additionally, soil pH was increased (shifting from 5.4 to 6.0), thereby alleviating soil acidification. 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing revealed that organic amendments markedly influenced soil microbial abundance and diversity, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., The abundance of Gemmatimonas rose from 10.0% in control to 19.2% in MF.) while suppressing pathogenic bacteria (e.g., The abundance of Ralstonia decreased from 10.5% in control to 2.5% in MF.). In terms of tobacco growth, organic amendments enhanced root length, surface area, volume, and branching number; Significant increases were observed in α-amylase activity (from 0.6 to 1.6 mg/min/g)) and nitrate reductase activity (from 0.15 to 0.21 U/g) in leaves following the treatment.; and reduced the incidence of bacterial wilt and black shank diseases. Specifically, BF, CF, PF, and MF achieved relative control efficacies of 66.7%, 56.0%, 44.0%, and 61.9% against bacterial wilt, and 66.0%, 52.6%, 42.3%, and 55.7% against black shank, respectively. In conclusion, the application of organic amendments can alleviate continuous cropping barriers by improving the soil micro-environment, promoting tobacco growth, and providing certain control over soil-borne diseases. Overall, the BF treatment showed the most comprehensive improvement effect, and to a lesser extent, PF and MF.

Improving soil fertility, sorghum productivity and economic returns through organic and inorganic inputs in semiarid Kenya

2025-06-13

Nyokabi Miriam , Mugwe Jayne , Danga Benjamin +1 more | Discover Soil.

Crop diversity reduces pesticide use more efficiently with refined diversification strategies

2025-06-13

Yaoyun Zhang , David A. Bohan , Chaochun Zhang +3 more | Communications Earth & Environment

Effects of inoculation of wheat (Triticum aestivum) with rhizosphere bacteria in Victoria, Australia

2025-06-12

Maznah Mahmud , Grant J. Hollaway , Ann C. Lawrie | Crop and Pasture Science

Context Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is an important food crop around the world. Its value depends on high grain yield and high protein content, which requires large inputs of nitrogenous fertiliser. … Context Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is an important food crop around the world. Its value depends on high grain yield and high protein content, which requires large inputs of nitrogenous fertiliser. Aims The aim of this study was to test if inoculation with a N2-fixing bacterium could improve wheat yield and/or protein content. Method RMBMTa1 bacteria were isolated from soil in a wheat field at Horsham, Victoria, Australia. Wheat was inoculated with this bacterium in pot and field experiments with three factors: (1) one treatment of N2-fixing bacterium with isolate RMBMTa1; (2) two N treatments (ammonium sulfate, AS; urea); and (3) four N fertiliser rates (1, 50, 100, 150 kg ha−1). Key results RMBMTa1 was closest (93%) to Paraburkholderia species based on 16S sequencing. In the pot trial, inoculated treatments had the greatest grain dry weight with 100 kg ha−1 AS, potentially doubling profit per hectare. In a field trial during a drought year, inoculation reduced grain weight by 9% but increased grain protein by 50%, with a maximum at 100 kg ha−1 AS, thus increasing its grading. Conclusions Inoculating with RMBMTa1 increased both grain yield and protein content when rainfall did not limit yield. Larger-scale coordinated trials of inoculation of wheat varieties with other such native bacteria are needed to test if they offer similar benefits across a range of farming conditions. Implications RMBMTa1 could potentially increase the value of the wheat crop while saving on input costs and pollution from nitrogenous fertiliser.

Effect of grain amaranth-trap crop spatial arrangement on Epilachna chrysomelina Fab. and Aulacophora foveicollis L. densities on cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.)

2025-06-12

Williams Oyifioda Anteyi , Filani C. O , Olufemi Richard Pitan +1 more | International Journal of Pest Management

Desempenho agronômico e qualidade de cebola consorciada com alface em diferentes épocas

2025-06-12

Wagner Ferreira da Mota , Larissa de Sá Santos , Livian Patrícia da Silva Santos +7 more | Caderno Pedagógico

A eficiência do cultivo consorciado está relacionada à complementariedade entre as culturas e o período de convivência entre as mesmas. O consórcio ocorre quando há o crescimento simultâneo de duas … A eficiência do cultivo consorciado está relacionada à complementariedade entre as culturas e o período de convivência entre as mesmas. O consórcio ocorre quando há o crescimento simultâneo de duas ou mais culturas, com diferentes ciclos e arquiteturas vegetativas em uma mesma área. O objetivo foi avaliar o desempenho agronômico do consórcio entre cebola e alface e analisar a qualidade da cebola em função dos intervalos de tempo entre o transplantio da alface em relação ao plantio da cebola. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos corresponderam ao monocultivo de cebola e às consorciações com alface, estabelecidas ao 0, 20, 40 e 60 dias após o plantio direto da cebola. Avaliou-se para cebola a produtividade, altura e diâmetro, sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT) e relação SS/AT. Para a alface, avaliou-se a altura e diâmetro da cabeça e a produtividade de matéria fresca. A cebola, não apresentou diferença estatística entre o monocultivo e o consórcio, já a alface sobressaiu-se no monocutivo. A alface teve um melhor desempenho agronômico na primeira época decrescendo com o avançar das épocas, situação contraria ao ocorrido com a cebola que teve um me menor desempenho nas épocas iniciais e sobressaindo-se na época de 60 dias. Tendo a cebola como cultura principal o melhor desempenho agronômico do sistema aliado a melhor qualidade da cebola foi obtido na época de 60 dias. Em relação às análises químicas os melhores resultados foram observados nos bulbos colhidos nas épocas de zero e 60 dias.

Response of Rhizobium Inoculation on Different Soybean (Glycine max L.) Varieties in Central Vietnam

2025-06-12

Thi Anh Thu Tran , D. Leiseur , Thi Thai Hoa Hoang | Legume Research - An International Journal

Background: Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important legume crop in the human diet, which is grown mainly for its edible bean. Rhizobium inoculation can enhance soybean production, but its … Background: Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important legume crop in the human diet, which is grown mainly for its edible bean. Rhizobium inoculation can enhance soybean production, but its effectiveness depends on several factors, including crop management, environment, Rhizobium strains and soybean varieties. The study aimed to evaluate how different soybean varieties responded to Rhizobium inoculation in Hue city, Central Vietnam. Methods: Pot and field experiments were conducted in coastal sandy soil in 2024 in two cropping seasons. Twelve treatments, including two factors of 6 soybean varieties combined with and without inoculation of Rhizobium (control), were laid out in a RCBD and split plot designs with three replications. Data was collected as nodule number, seed yield and nitrogen fixation efficiency. Result: The results obtained showed significant differences (p less than 0.05) in nodules mean score, seed yields and N fixation between inoculated and no inoculated treatments. The variety DT90 responded to the Rhizobium inoculants recorded the best in all parameters under observation. Although further studies need to be conducted to obtain conclusive information on these nitrogen fixers, the study indicates that DT90, in combination with the right Rhizobium inoculants, could be recommended to replace conventional fertilization for coastal sandy soil in Central Vietnam.

Cover crop mixtures enhance multiple ecosystem functions: A global meta‐analysis

2025-06-12

Junhai Liu , Aruhan Olhnuud , Zishuang Li +4 more | Journal of Applied Ecology

Abstract Cover crop mixtures have been increasingly adopted across agroecosystems worldwide due to their potential to improve soil health and ecosystem functioning. However, it is not clear whether and how … Abstract Cover crop mixtures have been increasingly adopted across agroecosystems worldwide due to their potential to improve soil health and ecosystem functioning. However, it is not clear whether and how cover crop mixtures vs. single cover crops might influence different ecosystem functions. Here, we selected 1895 paired data from 61 studies worldwide to evaluate the role of cover crop mixtures in affecting biomass production, soil properties and subsequent main crop yields in comparison with single cover crops. We also assessed whether the number of plant species in cover crop mixtures, crop field types and cover crop combinations could affect ecosystem functioning. Multi‐species mixtures increased cover crop above‐ground biomass by 21.7%, carbon and nutrient accumulation (C: +27.7%, N: +27.7%, P: +22.8%, K: +24.1%), and subsequent crop yields by 4.9% compared to single cover crops. These benefits were most pronounced in paddy fields (e.g. a 35.3% increase in biomass), as well as in specific species combinations such as milk vetch‐rapeseed (32.8%) and milk vetch‐ryegrass (36.0%). Also, multi‐species cover crop mixtures increased subsequent soil moisture content (+1.5%), soil total nitrogen (+5.8%), soil microbial carbon (+37.8%), soil microbial nitrogen (+37.6%), Chao1 index of fungi (+12.6%), decreased soil bulk density (−7.0%), soil electrical conductivity (−9.5%) and polyphenol oxidase activity (−7.0%). However, effects on soil pH, organic matter, and most nutrients were neutral unless specific combinations. Synthesis and applications . Multi‐species cover crop mixtures significantly enhance agroecosystem productivity and soil health, particularly in paddy systems and when combining functionally complementary species (e.g. legumes with Cruciferae, legumes with Gramineae). Farmers and policymakers should prioritize tailored mixtures over monocultures to optimize biomass production, nutrient cycling and yield resilience. For maximum impact, mixtures should align with local conditions—such as using milk vetch‐rapeseed or milk vetch‐ryegrass in humid regions—to advance sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation goals globally.

Comparative Efficacy of Spacing on Insect-Pests of Cucumber in Cucumber-Maize Intercropping System

2025-06-12

Patrick O. Ukatu , Elechi F. Asawalam , K. C. Emeasor | Deleted Journal

Field trials were conducted in 2023 and 2024 planting seasons to evaluate the potency of spacing in intercropping cucumber with maize on the insect-pests and yield of cucumber in Calabar, … Field trials were conducted in 2023 and 2024 planting seasons to evaluate the potency of spacing in intercropping cucumber with maize on the insect-pests and yield of cucumber in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. The field trial was carried out in 2023 and then repeated the following year (2024). The experiment had the planting of cucumber with maize in an intercropping system using 3 spacings as thus; 75cm x75cm, 75cm x 50cm and 75cm X 25cm. Four varieties of cucumber namely; Mona Lisa, Murano 2, Nandini 732 and cucumber marketer while only ART -98-SWI variety of maize was used in the experiment. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and treatments replicated 4 times. The major insect pests assessed in the field were; Acalymma vittatum, Diabrotica undecimpunctata, Aulacophora spp and E. elaterii. Data obtained were analyzed using Genstat 8.1 statistical software and significant (P<0.05) means were separated using Tukey Honest significant method. The results of the findings showed that Cucumber-maize intercropping at 75cm X 25cm had reduced population density of all the insect pests when compared with other planting distances. The intercrop of Nandini 732, Mona Lisa and Murano 2 and cucumber marketer variety with maize at 75cm X 25cm had relatively reduced pest pressure and higher yield when compared with that of other spacings. In 2023 cropping season, the Nandini cucumber variety -maize intercrop at 75cm X 25cm had 44.79% increase in cucumber fruit yield (t/ha) when compared with that of 75cm x75cm while in 2024 season, Mona Lisa cucumber variety-maize intercrop at 75cm X 25cm had 56.51 % increase when compared with that of 75cm x75cm.The result suggests that intercropping of Cucumber with maize at 75cm X 25cm is more effective in the management of insect pests of cucumber and increase in fruit productivity of cucumber.

Food and nutrition security merits of intercropping maize, sorghum and millet with legumes on small farms in Southern Africa

2025-06-12

Isaiah Nyagumbo , Donald Nyamayevu , ‪João Vasco Silva | Food Security

Rotation Alleviated the Continuous Cropping Obstacle of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Cultivation and Optimized the Endophytic Bacterial Communities in Peanut Pods

2025-06-12

Miao Liu , Pu Shen , Qi Wu +3 more | Plants

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) continuous cropping reduces yield and quality, but the effects of specific rotation methods on yield and endophytic bacterial colonization remain unclear. Based on five years of … Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) continuous cropping reduces yield and quality, but the effects of specific rotation methods on yield and endophytic bacterial colonization remain unclear. Based on five years of continuous cropping trial data, three different cropping systems (WF, annual summer peanut and winter fallow; GM, annual summer peanut and winter ryegrass; CR, summer peanut rotated with summer maize and winter wheat) were employed in this study to systematically analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of crop rotation in mitigating peanut continuous cropping obstacles and its underlying mechanisms. The results showed that CR increased pod yield by 33% and kernel nitrogen content by 6.8% compared to WF, while GM had a marginal effect (1.4% nitrogen increase). Microbial analysis (LEfSe/LDA) revealed that CR enriched beneficial bacteria (e.g., Actinobacteria, Corynebacteriales) in pods while suppressing potential pathogens (e.g., Gammaproteobacteria, Burkholderiales). These findings demonstrate that strategic crop rotation, particularly CR, mitigates continuous cropping obstacles by enhancing yield, improving kernel quality, and promoting beneficial endophytic bacterial communities. Our findings highlight the complexity of crop rotation system functioning and how interactions between cropping patterns and endophytic microbiota affect peanut yield and kernel quality.

Revival of traditional agricultural systems – A multidisciplinary on‐farm survey of maize‐bean intercropping reveals unexpected competition effects on beans

2025-06-11

Noa Vazeux‐Blumental , Laura Mathieu , Théo Trabac +7 more | Plants People Planet

Societal Impact Statement Cereal‐legume intercropping is a promising strategy for sustainable agroecosystems, leveraging the biological complementarities between plant species to reduce the need for inputs while enhancing field biodiversity. Here, … Societal Impact Statement Cereal‐legume intercropping is a promising strategy for sustainable agroecosystems, leveraging the biological complementarities between plant species to reduce the need for inputs while enhancing field biodiversity. Here, we focused on maize‐bean intercropping, which is experiencing a revival in conventional agricultural settings. In such settings, intercropping was characterized more by competition than synergy, primarily affecting yield and gene expression in beans, which, despite a reduced yield, produced larger seeds. Our findings highlight the importance of selecting suitable varieties and adjusting agricultural practices to take full advantage of the intercrop. Summary Cereal‐legume intercropping is a promising strategy for sustainable agroecosystems. The traditional intercropping of maize and bean is experiencing a revival in some modern agricultural settings, such as in southwestern France, where maize hybrids are intercropped with the commercialized Tarbais bean. We conducted on‐farm surveys and a field assay to address the following questions: How does the cropping system impact yield, nutrient uptake, and rhizosphere bacterial assemblages? Do positive or negative interactions between maize and beans dominate in intercropping? What is the effect of intercropping on plant transcriptomics? We recorded farming practices, conducted yield and nutrient measurements, and characterized soil bacterial assemblages to compare sole‐cropped maize and beans with intercropped plants. A controlled field assay was also established to extend this comparison to plant gene expression differences. Intercropping was associated with a trend toward increased bacterial diversity. The cropping system significantly influenced agronomic traits, with frequent farm‐by‐cropping system interactions underscoring the critical role of farming practices. Competition dominated maize‐bean intercropping, with 34 negative correlations among the 47 significant ones between maize and bean traits. This competition affected yield and nutrition, but primarily impacted beans, which produced fewer but bigger/heavier seeds. Transcriptomic results concurred with these findings, revealing no differentially expressed genes in maize but 5,070 in beans under competition. Overall, our findings suggest that beneficial interactions between the two crops are hindered under current field conditions, underscoring the importance of carefully considering partner varieties and farming practices to revive traditional agricultural systems.