Mixed cropping systems
Mixed cropping systems
Mixed cropping is the simultaneous cultivation of two or more crops on the same land. However nowadays the sector is focused and optimized on sole crops. Crops are grown in pure stands and firms are not adapted to harvest and process mixed yields. However, mixing different crops may save synthetic N fertilizer, improve yield stability, increase soil fertility, and suppress weeds, due to higher biodiversity and different functional plant groups, and make better use of available resources such as nutrients, water, and light.
In the search for alternative protein sources to replace imported soy in animal feed, field beans, whether mixed with cereals or not, appear to be an excellent candidate for local cultivation and use in animal feed. Field beans yield 4 to 4.5 tonnes per hectare. The crude protein content ranges from 25 to 35% per kilogram of dry matter (for soya, it is 35-45%). This means a total yield of 1.5 tonnes of crude protein per hectare. However, it should be kept in mind that the proportion of starch and energy in the mixed crop may decrease.
When applied well, mixed cropping can improve the sustainability, productivity, and yield of the crops, and because less fertiliser and pesticides are used, biodiversity will be positively influenced. But a few things need to be kept in mind; crops should be adapted to each other, it is possible that one crop can take nutrients or light from the other, not all crops work together, and also planting pattern and population needs to be considered.
BovINE - Beef Innovation Network Europe
Ongoing | 2020-2022
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Ireland