Principles of design of intercropping
Problem
Studies on crop mixtures are not particularly common, so farmers may lack knowledge about what best suits their objectives and conditions.
Solution
Principles for crop mixtures design (combinations of species, cultivars, densities, sowing patterns and fertilization) depend upon targeted services.
Outcome
Tracking farmers’ innovations to:
-reveal the diversity of mixtures cultivated
-show links between objectives and practices
-develop this practice.
Practical recommendations
-Intercropping can increase resource use efficiency (light, nitrogen, water, etc.): choose species/cultivars with complementary temporal patterns, morphological and functional traits (height, habit, root system, etc.)
-Facilitating harvest and reducing losses: choose species/cultivars with robust stems to prevent the lodging of the associated crop (e.g. Barley-pea, camelina-lentil)
-Ensuring that at least one species is always harvested: choose species/cultivars with complementary growth requirements and sensitivities (diseases, insects, extreme weather, ripening dates, etc.) (e.g. Faba bean-wheat)
-Harvesting a supplementary crop, achieving two crop cycles in one year: choose species with different life cycles to be sown simultaneously and harvested separately (e.g. Rapeseed-buckwheat)
Practical testing/ Farmers’ experiences
Tracking farmers’ innovations revealed different practices and sub-objectives with the aim of 1) increasing yield and stability, 2) controlling weeds and 3) increasing nitrogen supply in the cropping systems and then nitrogen self-sufficiency.
ReMIX - Redesigning European cropping systems based on species MIXtures
Ongoing | 2017-2021
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- France