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Coffee intercropped with Urochloa decumbens modifies nutrient uptake, and consequently the yield and quality of coffee, by the greater release of nutrients and efficient nutrient cycling. There is little information about the increasing nutrient content in Arabica coffee plants intercropped with Urochloa decumbens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Urochloa decumbens intercropped with two coffee cultivars (Coffea arabica L.) on the levels of macro- and micronutrients and coffee crop yield. The experiment was conducted at Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina-DF, and was arranged in a completely randomized block design with three replications, in a factorial design. The first factor consists of two management systems: with (WB) and without (NB) Urochloa decumbens intercropped; the second factor is composed of Arabica coffee cultivars 'IPR-103' and 'IPR-99'. There was no significant difference in yield of the coffee cultivars with and without Urochloa decumbens intercropped between the rows. The treatment with 'IPR-99' coffee cultivar intercropped with Urochloa decumbens achieved 400 kg ha−1 (8 bags) more than the other treatments. The presence of Urochloa decumbens increased leaf nutrient contents of the macronutrients Ca and Mg and micronutrients Mn and Fe. Thus, the Arabica coffee–Urochloa decumbens intercropping system is an efficiency management strategy which improves nutrient content for the main crop with consequent yield gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Crop rotation of tobacco with other crops could effectively break the negative impact of continuous tobacco cropping, but the mechanisms of intercropping system effects on tobacco, especially on the rhizosphere, are not clear. Methods: In this study, we investigated the impact of intercropping system on the diversity and function of tobacco metabolites and microorganisms through metabolomic and metagenomic analyses of the tobacco rhizosphere microenvironment intercropped with maize and soybean. Results: The results showed that the contents of huperzine b, chlorobenzene, and P-chlorophenylalanine in tobacco rhizosphere soils differed significantly among soybean-tobacco and maize-tobacco intercropping system. Chlorobenzene and P-chlorophenylalanine had the highest relative abundance under the soybean-tobacco intercropping system, and huperzine b had the highest relative abundance in the maize-tobacco cropping system. At the phylum level, the three most dominant strains were the same across all treatments: Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria , and Acidobacteria , with only minor differences in their abundance, with the fourth most abundant strain in both the tobacco monoculture. KEGG enrichment analysis of the tobacco rhizosphere soil microbiome revealed that intercropping significantly increased the abundance of metabolites in the ABC transporters pathway and up-regulated the LivK, LivH, Livg, LivM , and LivF genes of the branched-chain amino acid pathway Discussion: Collectively, our results indicate that the intercropping could enhance the activity of Livs to enhance the ABC transport pathway, and thus improve the transmembrane transport ability of tobacco roots, thus reducing the negative impact of continuous tobacco cropping. At the same time, the maize-tobacco intercropping could promote the production and transportation of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and other bioactive substances in the tobacco root system, which could enhance tobacco adaptation capacity to abiotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nutri cereal - legume intercrop systems are particularly beneficial in North Eastern Zone of Tamil Nadu, which are characterized by high levels of malnutrition, resource limitation and rainfall variability. These conditions are further exacerbated by climate-related risks and uncertainty. Apart from enhancing water and nutrient use efficiency, improving soil fertility and financial gains, Millet-legume intercrop systems have become a better bet for increased food and nutrition security in marginal farming communities. Methods: A study conducted during the year of 2022 to 2024 at the Center of Excellence in Millet, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Athiyandal, Tamil Nadu. The study evaluated various intercropping ratios of finger millet with black gram and red gram across seven treatments, focusing on productivity, compatibility and economic viability. Result: Results indicated that intercropping finger millet with black gram at a 4:1 ratio produced taller plants (92.7 cm), more protective tillers (5.7 per plant), extensive root systems (19.9 cm), and higher chlorophyll content (3.67 mg/g). This combination resulted in the highest equivalent grain yield (2895 kg/ha) and demonstrated a favourable benefit-to-cost ratio (2.84), highlighting its potential for improving profitability and soil fertility. Conversely, intercropping with red gram yielded lower finger millet yields and less favourable economic returns, underscoring the importance of selecting suitable intercrops to maximize agricultural productivity and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of row ratio configurations on intercropping advantages and related rhizosphere microbial communities, a field experiment involving five treatments of different rows of broomcorn millet, i.e., P1M1 (1 row of broomcorn millet intercropped with 1 row of alfalfa), P2M3, P1M2, P1M3 and broomcorn millet alone (SP), was conducted on the Loess Plateau of China. We analyzed the yield, nutritional content of broomcorn millet, the soil nutrient availability and the diversity and community composition of AMF (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) and diazotrophs in the rhizosphere of broomcorn millet. The results showed that compared with monocultures, alfalfa-millet intercropping system under different row ratio configurations significantly increased the yield of broomcorn millet and the absorption of PTP and PTK (total phosphorus and potassium of broomcorn millet). In addition, the broomcorn millet-alfalfa intercropping system also improved soil nutrition, with the decrease of the row ratio of broomcorn millet, the changes of TN, NH4+-N and microbial biomass in the rhizosphere of broomcorn millet were consistent, which was opposite to NO3−-N. Moreover, co-occurrence network and PLS-PM (partial least squares path modelling) analysis showed alfalfa-broomcorn millet intercropping system changed the community diversity and composition of soil microorganisms, increased the improvement of soil nutrition (TN, NH4+-N and microbial biomass), and promoted the absorption of different nutrients by plants (N, P and K) mainly through the negative regulation of AMF and the synergistic effect of AMF on diazotrophs, and finally increased crop yield. This shows that broomcorn millet-alfalfa intercropping can increase plant nutrient content by adjusting soil nutrients and soil microbial activities, thereby increasing yield. Furthermore, we found that 1P2M was the best ratio of alfalfa-millet intercropping system, which may provide reliable suggestions and selection basis for future agricultural production practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of soil contamination by heavy metals (HMs) has attracted extensive attention. In the present study, the effects of four remediation measures combined with rice intercropping on the quality of soils were evaluated in a mildly HM-contaminated paddy field. The results showed that better comprehensive remediation effects were found in the intercropping system with high and low Cd-tolerant rice than in the monoculture system. Both foliar spraying of sodium selenite and inoculation with Pseudomonas TCd-1 significantly reduced the Nemerow comprehensive pollution index (NCPI) of the soils. The application of biochar and lime significantly increased the soil fertility index. Among all the treatments, the application of 30 t∙hm−2 biochar and 3600 kg∙hm−2 lime improved soil fertility the most. The lowest single-factor pollution indices (SFPIs) of Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni and Pb and the NCPI of the soils were observed in the treatment with foliar spraying of sodium selenite at 45 mg∙L−1, showing the greatest comprehensive reduction in soil HMs. The application of 1200 kg∙hm−2 lime and 30 t∙hm−2 biochar and foliar spraying of 45 mg∙L−1 sodium selenite effectively improved the soil quality. Overall, the soil quality of paddy fields dramatically influenced the cleaner production of rice and is of great significance to the maintenance of food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Robusta coffee leaves regulate gas exchange in response to climatic factors like full sun and shaded conditions. To fully understand the reasons behind the variations in photosynthetic rates and water-use efficiency, exploring the underlying mechanisms of stomatal regulation in the maximum photosynthetic efficiency of Robusta coffee trees, especially in a shade condition is necessary. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate how stomatal regulation in Robusta coffee leaves affects gas exchange under different cropping systems. The Robusta coffee trees were grown in four different cropping systems: monoculture (full-sun condition) (S1), intercropped (single row) with rubber trees (S2), intercropped (double spacing) with rubber trees (S3), and intercropped in a mixed orchard (S4). Result: The results revealed that Robusta coffee trees grown between rubber tree rows with closer spacing (S2) exhibited the largest stomata sizes. These stomata sizes had a statistically significant increase in width, length, and area (ranging from 12.04 to 14.74 µm, 19.22 to 25.55 µm and 202.37 to 296.05 µm2, respectively) compared to Robusta coffee grown in S1, S3 and S4 systems. On the other hand, Robusta coffee grown in S1 system displayed the highest stomatal density, ranging from 310 to 540 stomata/mm2. Interestingly, coffee trees grown between rubber rows (S3) and in the mixed orchard (S4) exhibited both high rates of photosynthesis (9.18 and 9.35 µmol/m2/s) and photosynthetic water-use efficiency (3.78 and 5.15 mmol/mol). Notably, these values were statistically different from those observed in other planting conditions. Additionally, Robusta coffee grown in S1 system exhibited the highest canopy temperature (ranging from 30.8 to 47.4°C). It also had the lowest Fv / Fm value (ranging from 0.706 to 0.759) compared to other planting conditions. This study indicates that Robusta coffee leaves exhibited varying stomatal responses to changes in light and temperature depending on the cropping system. By understanding how these leaf traits influence adaptation, we could potentially optimize Robusta coffee trees to thrive in full sun and shaded conditions, particularly within intercropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to thoroughly investigate the effects of nitrogen deposition on the growth, chlorophyll fluorescence and yield of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. in both monoculture and intercropping systems with Capsicum annuum L. and Glycine max. The research provided a detailed evaluation of how nitrogen deposition influenced soil and plant parameters within these intercropping systems. Key findings include: (i) In the Z. bungeanum monoculture, nitrogen deposition led to a 346.5% increase in soil NO3− levels, significantly affecting chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and decreasing soil pH. (ii) In the Z. bungeanum – C. annuum intercropping system, nitrogen deposition influenced the growth and chlorophyll fluorescence of both crops and resulted in a 261.5% increase in the root length of C. annuum. (iii) In the Z. bungeanum – G. max system, nitrogen deposition negatively impacted the chlorophyll fluorescence of G. max , reduced Z. bungeanum yields by 89.3% and altered its chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. These changes likely hindered the nitrogen-fixing capacity of G. max due to altered soil conditions. Overall, the Z. bungeanum – C. annuum system showed superior performance by enhancing soil NO3−-N content. In contrast, the Z. bungeanum – G. max system experienced reduced yields due to the adverse effects of nitrogen deposition on symbiotic nitrogen fixation. These findings are crucial for developing agricultural strategies aimed at improving crop adaptability and yield in response to environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agroforestry and intercropping systems are recognized as important options for greenhouse gas mitigation. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impacts of land use change from Orange (O) monoculture to Coffee-Orange (CO) intercropping and Coffee-Forest (CF) agroforest systems, implemented 20 years ago, on soil properties at three different soil depth layers (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, 20–30 cm), with a particular focus on microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. Although there were no changes in most of the soil's physical properties, the soil's chemical properties varied significantly across different land use types. SOC was higher in CF and CO systems compared to the O system; however, only in the CO system was the SOC incorporated evenly across all depths. Regression analysis showed that, in the CO system, microbial biomass carbon increased significantly, suggesting that these systems are more promising for carbon sequestration. The low pH and phosphorus values in the agroforest system were identified as limiting factors for microbial biomass enhancement. Importantly, the integration of coffee into orange cultivation not only enhances economic benefits but also contributes to long-term carbon sequestration by increasing SOC in deeper soil layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Innovative approach of rose-scented geranium intercropping with seasonal food crops is a sustainable agricultural strategy. • Demonstrating the potential of rose-scented geranium crop for higher yields as intercrops with okra. • Corroboration for higher yields, economic reliability and benefits for both farmers and environment. Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L′Herit ex Aiton) family, Geraniaceae, is also vegetative propagated (through rooted stem cutting), a high-value aromatic crop. Essential oil is extensively used in the fragrance, aromatherapy, flavor, and pharmaceutical industries. But the cultivation of rose-scented geranium as a monocrop creates competition with companion seasonal food crops in terms of limited availability of land. Intercropping is a sustainable approach to achieve higher production per unit land area and time by maximizing the utilization of available resources. This work was aimed to study the effectiveness of rose-scented geranium with companion seasonal food crops in intercropping system for enhancing the yield, quality of rose-scented geranium essential oil, and monetary gains for farmers. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design in two successive years, with spatial arrangements of rose-scented geranium at 45 × 30 (G1), 45 × 45 (G2), and 45 × 60 (G3), companion seasonal food crops viz. maize (S1), sunflower (S2), mungbean (S3), okra (S4), onion (S5), and uradbean (S6) at their recommended populations along with their sole crops as a control. The results demonstrated that fresh herb yield (21.36 t/ha) and oil yield (35.57 kg/ha) were recorded maximum under S4+G2 (Okra + Rose-scented geranium at 45 × 45). In a similar manner, the highest monetary gains (4520 USD/ha) were achieved under S4+G2 (Okra + Rose-scented geranium at G2), followed by S4+G1 and S3+G2. The total land equivalent ratio (2.28), area time equivalent ratio (1.72), and land use efficiency (3.14) were higher in S4+G2 (Okra + Rose-scented geranium at G2) over monocrop. The quality of essential oils of rose-scented geranium was good and acceptable for market in all intercropping treatments. Thus, the intercropping system will help to increase high-value essential oil production and provide more benefit to seasonal food growers, as well as help the aroma industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at the College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat) to study the effect of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) - pulses intercropping system and nutrient management on growth and yield of pearl millet during summer season of the years 2021 and 2022. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design consisting 24 treatment combinations replicated thrice. The main plot treatments comprised of four intercropping system viz., sole pearl millet (I1), pearl millet + greengram (I2), pearl millet + blackgram (I3), pearl millet + cowpea (I4) and six nutrient management practices in sub plot viz. control (F1), 100% RDF to pearl millet through inorganic fertilizer (F2), 5 t/ha FYM + 100% RDF through inorganic fertilizer (F3), 5 t/ha FYM + 100% RDF through inorganic fertilizer on base of STV (F4), 25% RDN through FYM + 75% RDF through inorganic fertilizer (F5) and 50% RDN through FYM + 50% RDF through inorganic fertilizer (F6). Among main plot effect, significantly higher grain and straw yields of pearl millet were noted in sole pearl millet (I1) during both the years of investigation as well as in pooled analysis while, pearl millet equivalent yield, protein content, protein yield and nutrient content (N in seed and straw) were significantly higher in pearl millet + greengram (I2) intercropping system. In case of sub plot nutrient management practices, significantly higher values of grain and straw yields as well as pearl millet equivalent yield, protein content, protein yield and nutrient content (N and P in seed and straw) were recorded in F4 (5 t/ha FYM + RDF through inorganic fertilizer on base of STV), which remained statistically at par with treatment F3 (5 t/ha FYM + 100% RDF through inorganic fertilizer) treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a major problem, impeding soil productivity, agricultural sustainability, and food security, particularly in dry regions. This study integrates quinoa, a facultative halophyte, into a pomegranate-based agroforestry with saline irrigation in northeast Morocco. We aim to explore this agroforestry model's potential in mitigating salinity's effects on quinoa's agronomic and biochemical traits and evaluate the land equivalent ratio (LER). Field experiments in 2020 and 2021 used a randomized block design with three replicates, including monocropping and agroforestry systems, two salinity levels (1.12 and 10.5 dS m−1), four quinoa genotypes (Titicaca, Puno, ICBA-Q4, ICBA-Q5), and a pomegranate control. Salinity significantly decreased total dry matter (40.5%), root dry matter (50.7%), leaf dry matter (39.2%), and root-to-shoot ratio (7.7%). The impact was more severe in monoculture than in agroforestry, reducing dry matter (47.6% vs. 30.7%), grain yield (46.3% vs. 26.1%), water productivity (47.5% vs. 23.9%), and total sugar (19.2% vs. 5.6%). LER averaged 1.86 to 2.21, indicating 86–121% higher productivity in agroforestry. LER averaged 1.85 at 1.12 dS m−1 and 2.18 at 10.5 dS m−1, reaching 2.21 with pomegranate-ICBA-Q5 combination. Quinoa–pomegranate agroforestry emerges as an innovative strategy, leveraging quinoa's salt resistance and agroforestry's potential to mitigate salinity impacts while enhancing land use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research was to assess the allelopathic potential of certain species for weed control in climbing bean crop. Field trials were carried out to examine the allelopathic impacts of the following allelopathic species: white clover (Trifolium repens), red clover (Trifolium pratense), sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), oil radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleiformis), yellow mustard (Sinapis alba), oats (Avena sativa), barley (Hordeum vulgare), two-rowed barley (Hordeum distichon) and Japanese grass (Lolium perene, Festuca rubra and Poa pratensis). These species were sown with "Auria Bacăului" climbing bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) on intercropping system. It has been observed that main weed species identified in climbing bean crop were: red-root amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus), cockspur (Echinochloa crus-galli), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), perennial sow thistle (Sonchus arvensis), pale knotweed (Persicaria lapathifolia), groundsel (Senecio vulgaris), bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), guasca (Galinsoga parviflora), flower-of-an-hour (Hibiscus trionum) and petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus). In conclusion, intercropping beans with allelopathic species such as red clover, yellow mustard, and oil radish, along with red clover, oats, sainfoin, two-rowed barley and barley, resulted in a substantial diminishment in weed infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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IntroductionCrop rotation of tobacco with other crops could effectively break the negative impact of continuous tobacco cropping, but the mechanisms of intercropping system effects on tobacco, especially on the rhizosphere, are not clear.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the impact of intercropping system on the diversity and function of tobacco metabolites and microorganisms through metabolomic and metagenomic analyses of the tobacco rhizosphere microenvironment intercropped with maize and soybean.ResultsThe results showed that the contents of huperzine b, chlorobenzene, and P-chlorophenylalanine in tobacco rhizosphere soils differed significantly among soybean-tobacco and maize-tobacco intercropping system. Chlorobenzene and P-chlorophenylalanine had the highest relative abundance under the soybean-tobacco intercropping system, and huperzine b had the highest relative abundance in the maize-tobacco cropping system. At the phylum level, the three most dominant strains were the same across all treatments: Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria, with only minor differences in their abundance, with the fourth most abundant strain in both the tobacco monoculture. KEGG enrichment analysis of the tobacco rhizosphere soil microbiome revealed that intercropping significantly increased the abundance of metabolites in the ABC transporters pathway and up-regulated the LivK, LivH, Livg, LivM, and LivF genes of the branched-chain amino acid pathwayDiscussionCollectively, our results indicate that the intercropping could enhance the activity of Livs to enhance the ABC transport pathway, and thus improve the transmembrane transport ability of tobacco roots, thus reducing the negative impact of continuous tobacco cropping. At the same time, the maize-tobacco intercropping could promote the production and transportation of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and other bioactive substances in the tobacco root system, which could enhance tobacco adaptation capacity to abiotic stress.

Coffee intercropped with Urochloa decumbens modifies nutrient uptake, and consequently the yield and quality of coffee, by the greater release of nutrients and efficient nutrient cycling. There is little information about the increasing nutrient content in Arabica coffee plants intercropped with Urochloa decumbens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Urochloa decumbens intercropped with two coffee cultivars (Coffea arabica L.) on the levels of macro- and micronutrients and coffee crop yield. The experiment was conducted at Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina-DF, and was arranged in a completely randomized block design with three replications, in a factorial design. The first factor consists of two management systems: with (WB) and without (NB) Urochloa decumbens intercropped; the second factor is composed of Arabica coffee cultivars ‘IPR-103’ and ‘IPR-99’. There was no significant difference in yield of the coffee cultivars with and without Urochloa decumbens intercropped between the rows. The treatment with ‘IPR-99’ coffee cultivar intercropped with Urochloa decumbens achieved 400 kg ha−1 (8 bags) more than the other treatments. The presence of Urochloa decumbens increased leaf nutrient contents of the macronutrients Ca and Mg and micronutrients Mn and Fe. Thus, the Arabica coffee–Urochloa decumbens intercropping system is an efficiency management strategy which improves nutrient content for the main crop with consequent yield gains.

Background and Aims: Selection effect (SE) and complementarity effect (CE) are often considered as two key indicators to mediate the positive diversity-productivity relationship in the maize-legume intercropping system, as intercropping generally enables crops to use the available resources more efficiently than monoculture. Yet, it is unclear whether soil moisture drives the SE and CE transformation, plant-plant interaction, and accordingly affect the productivity. Methods: A two-year field experiment was conducted to explore the impacts of soil water status (with and without plastic mulching) on interspecific interaction and productivity and its key mechanism in the maize-faba bean intercropping system. Results: Low soil moisture reduced the net effect (NE) and land equivalent ratio (LER) with evident yield loss (NE < 0 and LER = 1.05), whereas the improved soil moisture reversed this trend and resulted in overyielding (NE > 0 and LER = 1.13). Regardless of soil moisture, faba bean was the dominant species and maize was the inferior one. Low soil moisture promoted the contribution of SE to productivity (P < 0.05). In contrast, high moisture turned to lower the competition intensity of faba bean against maize and accordingly promote the transformation of biodiversity effect from SE to CE. The main mechanism was that the water competition imposed by faba bean strips on maize ones decreased the NE through reducing photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency of maize. Conclusion: The adaptive transitions of interspecific relationship and the biodiversity effect were driven by soil water availability. This novel phenomenon should be emphasized in the crop diversity management of intercropping system in the rainfed region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agroforestry and intercropping systems are recognized as important options for greenhouse gas mitigation. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impacts of land use change from Orange (O) monoculture to Coffee-Orange (CO) intercropping and Coffee-Forest (CF) agroforest systems, implemented 20 years ago, on soil properties at three different soil depth layers (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, 20–30 cm), with a particular focus on microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. Although there were no changes in most of the soil’s physical properties, the soil’s chemical properties varied significantly across different land use types. SOC was higher in CF and CO systems compared to the O system; however, only in the CO system was the SOC incorporated evenly across all depths. Regression analysis showed that, in the CO system, microbial biomass carbon increased significantly, suggesting that these systems are more promising for carbon sequestration. The low pH and phosphorus values in the agroforest system were identified as limiting factors for microbial biomass enhancement. Importantly, the integration of coffee into orange cultivation not only enhances economic benefits but also contributes to long-term carbon sequestration by increasing SOC in deeper soil layers.

Intercropping has great potential for alleviating arable land competition, improving land output and promoting sustainable agricultural development. However, the applicability of maize-soybean strip intercropping under drip fertigation in arid northwest China remains unclear, especially under various row configurations. A two-season (2022 and 2023) field experiment was performed in the Hexi Region of northwest China to investigate the responses of plant growth, yield performance, water-land productivity and economic profit of drip-fertigated maize-soybean strip intercropping systems to eight row configurations. The results showed that intercropping significantly reduced aboveground biomass accumulation of maize and soybean by 18.77% and 47.81% on average compared to monocropping, respectively. Intercropping significantly decreased the 100-grain weight, ear length and ear width of maize, and reduced the 100-grain weight and pod number of soybean, resulting in reduced grain yields of intercropped maize and soybean (by 13.08% and 48.73%, respectively), but two rows of maize alternating with four rows of soybean (M2S4), three rows of maize alternating with four rows of soybean (M3S4), four rows of maize in wide and narrow rows alternating with four rows of soybean (M4S4-MN), and four rows of maize in wide and narrow rows alternating with six rows of soybean (M4S6-MN) produced greater population grain yield compared to monocropping. Among all intercropping systems, the largest water-land productivity and economic profit occurred in M2S4 (1.61 in 2022 and 1.42 in 2023 for land equivalent ratio; 29.23 kg ha−1 mm−1 in 2022 and 28.22 kg ha−1 mm−1 in 2023 for water productivity; 23,965 CNY ha−1 in 2022 and 23,059 CNY ha−1 in 2023 for economic profit), followed by M4S4-MN (1.53 in 2022 and 1.36 in 2023 for land equivalent ratio; 27.11 kg ha−1 mm−1 in 2022 and 26.58 kg ha−1 mm−1 in 2023 for water productivity; 22,327 CNY ha−1 in 2022 and 22,224 CNY ha−1 in 2023 for economic profit). The M2S4 is thus the optimal row configuration for drip-fertigated maize-soybean strip intercropping systems in terms of grain yield, economic profit and land productivity, while the M4S4-MN is recommended by further considering the efficiency of mechanized sowing and harvesting.

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station Farm in Shandaweel Island, Sohag Governorate to assess the intercropping for grain sorghum with soybean during 2020 and 2021 seasons under different systems about yield and its attributes of the two crops. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using strip plot arrangement with three replications. The obtained results showed that foliar spray with salicylic acid and intercropping system enhanced significantly all studied soybean and sorghum traits in this study in both seasons. Thus, the highest mean values of previous measured traits were observed from plants that were sprayed with salicylic acid at the rate of 100 ppm of the two crops in the two successful seasons. In addition, maximum yield and its attributes of sorghum were produced from intercropping system of 2 rows sorghum: 2 rows soybean in both seasons. On the other hand, the maximum soybean yield and its related traits were obtained from intercropping system 1 sorghum: 1 soybean and 2 sorghum: 2 soybean of sorghum and in the first and second years, soybean respectively. The greatest ratios of land equivalent (LER) which wear 1.33 and 1.67 in the two respective seasons) were obtained from 2 sorghum: 2 soybean intercropping system under 100 ppm salicylic acid. The greatest values of monetary advantage index (MAI) (6750.40 and 17000.80 LE in the first and second seasons, respectively) were recorded from intercropping system of 2 sorghum: 2 soybean under100 ppm salicylic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping is an effective measure to increase crop yield and improve soil structure. The soil aggregate is the basic unit of soil structure, and its stability is affected by intercropping system. To study the effects of intercropping system on soil aggregate stability, the particle size distribution and stability characteristics of soil aggregates under three planting patterns of maize only (SM), peanut only (SP) and maize intercropped with peanut (M-P) were evaluated by dry sieving (mainly used to determine the mechanical stability of soil aggregates), wet sieving (mainly used to determine the water stability of soil aggregates) and Le Bissonnais (mainly used to distinguish different decomposition mechanisms of soil aggregates) (including slow wetting (SW), wet stirring (WS) and fast wetting (FW) tests) methods. The results showed that the particle size distribution of soil aggregates was mainly the >2 mm fraction in the dry sieving test, the 1-0.5 mm and <0.053 mm fractions in the wet sieving test, the >2 mm fraction in the SW test, the >2 mm and 2-1 mm fractions in the WS test and the 1-0.5 mm and 0.5-0.25 mm fractions in the FW test. The mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD) and R0.25 of soil aggregates in the three determination methods were all ranked as SP < SM < M-P, indicating that intercropping could increase the proportion of large aggregates and improve the stability of soil aggregates. In the three tests using the Le Bissonnais method, the MWD order was FW < WS < SW, indicating that the soil aggregates in this area were the most sensitive to slaking effects and the least sensitive to mechanical breakdown, and intercropping could reduce the sensitivity of soil aggregates to slaking effects and mechanical breakdown. In addition, the MWD of dry sieving was significantly positively correlated with the MWD of SW and WS, and the MWD of wet sieving was significantly positively correlated with the MWD of FW. The results of this study could provide a reference for better understanding of farmland soil structure and aggregate stability under intercropping system in the North China Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a major problem, impeding soil productivity, agricultural sustainability, and food security, particularly in dry regions. This study integrates quinoa, a facultative halophyte, into a pomegranate-based agroforestry with saline irrigation in northeast Morocco. We aim to explore this agroforestry model’s potential in mitigating salinity’s effects on quinoa’s agronomic and biochemical traits and evaluate the land equivalent ratio (LER). Field experiments in 2020 and 2021 used a randomized block design with three replicates, including monocropping and agroforestry systems, two salinity levels (1.12 and 10.5 dS m−1), four quinoa genotypes (Titicaca, Puno, ICBA-Q4, ICBA-Q5), and a pomegranate control. Salinity significantly decreased total dry matter (40.5%), root dry matter (50.7%), leaf dry matter (39.2%), and root-to-shoot ratio (7.7%). The impact was more severe in monoculture than in agroforestry, reducing dry matter (47.6% vs. 30.7%), grain yield (46.3% vs. 26.1%), water productivity (47.5% vs. 23.9%), and total sugar (19.2% vs. 5.6%). LER averaged 1.86 to 2.21, indicating 86–121% higher productivity in agroforestry. LER averaged 1.85 at 1.12 dS m−1 and 2.18 at 10.5 dS m−1, reaching 2.21 with pomegranate-ICBA-Q5 combination. Quinoa–pomegranate agroforestry emerges as an innovative strategy, leveraging quinoa’s salt resistance and agroforestry’s potential to mitigate salinity impacts while enhancing land use efficiency.

The contamination of arable land with heavy metals, such as Cd, is a serious concern worldwide. Intercropping with Cd accumulators can be used for efficient safe crop production and phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil. However, the effect of intercropping on Cd uptake by main crops and accumulators varies among plant combinations. Rhizosphere interaction may mediate Cd uptake by intercropped plants, but the mechanism is unclear. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to examine the effect of rhizosphere interaction on Cd uptake by intercropping rice (Oryza sativa L.) with mugwort (Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant.) in Cd-contaminated paddy soil. We grew O. sativa and A. argyi in pots designed to allow different levels of interaction: complete root interaction (no barrier), partial root interaction (nylon mesh barrier), and no root interaction (plastic film barrier). Our results indicated that both complete and partial root interaction increased the shoot and root mass of A. argyi, but did not decrease the shoot, root, and grain mass of O. sativa. Interspecific root interaction significantly increased the Cd content in the shoots, roots, and grains of O. sativa and the shoots of A. argyi. Increased content of total organic acids in the rhizosphere, which increased the content of available Cd, was a possible mechanism of increased Cd uptake in both plants under interspecific root interaction. Our findings demonstrate that an intercropping system can extract more Cd from contaminated soil than a monocropping system of either A. argyi or O. sativa. However, the intercropping system did not facilitate safe crop production because it substantially increased grain Cd content in O. sativa.

Diversification in cropping systems can increase production and reduce environmental impacts. Thus, we studied maize production as a function of the cropping system and the nitrogen rates applied as side-dressing. The experimental design involved randomized blocks with four replications in a split-plot scheme. The main plots were maize monoculture; maize intercropped with Congo grass (Urochloa ruziziensis cv. Comum); and maize intercropped with Aruana Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Aruana). The subplots were four nitrogen rates (0; 50; 100 and 150 kg ha−1) applied as side-dressing. The maize and grasses row were fertilized with nitrogen. Maize intercropped with grasses needs an adequate nitrogen supply to be applied as side-dressing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic activities have raised cadmium (Cd) concentrations in agricultural soil, emerging as a primary catalyst for the decline in crop yield. Intercropping of two or several plants is one technique among many Cd phytoremediation techniques that has gained enormous attention recently. However, the impact of cultivation modes on Cd movement in rice plants when intercropped with heavy metal (HM) hyperaccumulator plants remains unclear. Thus, this study was designed to explore the effects of cultivation modes and the intercropping of rice with Solanum nigrum L. on rice growth and Cd uptake in Cd-contaminated soil. The experimental design encompassed five treatments: dry cultivation of monocultured rice, monocultured Solanum nigrum L., and intercropped rice–Solanum nigrum L.; flood cultivation of monocultured rice; and intercropped rice–Solanum nigrum L. in a high-bed and low-ditch planting system. The results revealed a significant increase in rice growth when intercropped with Solanum nigrum L., with a notable increase of 18.32 g∙plant−1 observed in rice biomass in dry cultivation under the intercropping system. In contrast, a more modest increase of 3.67 g∙plant−1 was observed in the high-bed and low-ditch intercropped rice–Solanum nigrum L. mode. The soil total Cd was higher in dry cultivation of monocultured rice and Solanum nigrum L. compared to intercropped rice/Solanum nigrum L.-cultivated soil, with lower values recorded for intercropped rice/Solanum nigrum L. under the high-bed and low-ditch planting system. In contrast, no significant effect was noted on soil exchangeable Cd content based on the planting pattern and cultivation mode. Intercropping with Solanum nigrum L. demonstrated a significant reduction of Cd content in various rice tissues, particularly in roots at the maturity stage, while Cd content was reduced across all rice tissues under the high-bed and low-ditch planting system. The Cd content in the stem, leaves, and bran of monocropped rice was higher compared to intercropped rice. This study suggests that the rice–Solanum nigrum L. intercropping system effectively reduces rice Cd uptake, particularly under the high-bed and low-ditch planting system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biological nitrogen fixation in legumes and their transfer of nitrogen to non‐legumes in legume/non‐legume intercropping systems are considered to be important for the improvement of productivity. However, research on interspecific interaction and root nitrogen transfer in cotton/soybean intercropping systems has rarely been undertaken. In this study, the roots of cotton and soybean were separated with either complete root barriers (CB), using plastic film, or semi‐root barriers (SB), using nylon net. No root barrier (NB) was used as the control. Results: The results showed that cotton produced more above‐ground dry matter (DM) than soybean. The above‐ground DM and nitrogen uptake of cotton was greatest with the NB treatment. The above‐ground DM and nitrogen uptake of soybean was greatest with the CB treatment. At the harvest stage, the nitrogen transfer rate from soybean to cotton was 22.47% with the SB treatment and 40.41% with the NB treatment. Interspecific root interaction increased the nitrogen transfer amount, especially for the cotton roots in the 0–15 cm soil layer and for the soybean roots in the 0–30 cm soil layer. The root distribution of soybean was the key factor affecting nitrogen transfer amount, and nitrogen transfer amount was the key factor affecting nitrogen uptake of cotton in the cotton/soybean intercropping system. Conclusion: These results indicated that nitrogen transfer from soybean to cotton through root interaction improved cotton above‐ground DM and nitrogen uptake. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of root exudates and irrigation with treated wastewater on heavy metal mobility and soil bacterial composition under intercropping remain poorly understood. We conducted a pot experiment with maize and soybean grown in monocultures or intercultures, irrigated with either groundwater or treated wastewater. In addition, the pre-collected root exudates from hydroponic culture with mono- or inter-cropped maize and soybean were applied to the soil at four levels (0 %, 16 %, 32 % and 64 %). The results showed that application of root exudates increased plant growth and soil nutrient content. The analysis of “Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution” for higher plant biomass and lower soil Cd and Pb concentrations indicated that the best performance of soybean under treated wastewater irrigation was recorded under intercropping applied with 64 % of exudates, with a performance score of 0.926 and 0.953 for Cd and Pb, respectively. The second-best performance of maize under treated wastewater irrigation was also observed under intercropping applied with 64 % of exudates. Root exudate application reduced heavy metals migration in the soil-plant system, with a greater impact in intercropping than in monocropping. In addition, certain soil microorganisms were also increased with root exudate application, regardless of irrigation water. This study suggests that appropriate application of root exudates could potentially improve plant growth and soil health, and reduce toxic heavy metal concentrations in soils and plants irrigated with treated wastewater.

Wheat is considered to be a strategic crop for achieving food security. Wherefore, one of the current objectives of today's agriculture is to ensure a consistent and sustainable yield of this particular crop while mitigating its environmental footprint. However, along with the genetic potential of varieties, agricultural practices play a key role in ensuring a high and stable yield of wheat. Under changing climatic conditions, new eco-friendly practices were adopted in the wheat farming system in recent decades. In this review, a large number of peer-reviewed articles have been screened during the last 15 years to evaluate the potential of some environmentally friendly agricultural practices such as tillage system, biological crop protection, crop rotation, intercropping systems, and the integration of resistant varieties in achieving a high and stable wheat yield. The present investigation unveiled that embracing eco-friendly agricultural methods in the wheat farming system holds the potential to engender high and sustainable wheat yields, contingent upon a normative strategy that comprehensively addresses multiple factors. These include the intrinsic attributes of the grown wheat cultivars, plant nutritional parameters, soil agrochemical characteristics, and specific climatic conditions. Further in-depth investigations under field conditions are necessary to help in the discernment of appropriate environmentally agricultural techniques that can efficaciously optimize the yield potential of the different cultivated varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order of olive mill wastewater (OMW) valorization, a greenhouse study was conducted to investigate the OMW effects on potassium content in the rhizosphere and on the growth of an intercropping system triticale-forage pea. The used soil is a calcaric cambisol with a silt-clay texture. Despite high EC (10.8 dS.m-1) of OMW, bulk and rhizospheric soil of two species in monocropping and intercropping systems did not show a salinization after 45 days of cropping. The bulk soil and rhizosphere of monocropping and intercropping systems has been enriched in KNH4 + after OMW spreading. However, intercropping induced a higher KNH4 +depletion in the rhizosphere compared to monocropping systems. No negative effects of OMW application were observed on the seeds emergence and the growth of two species. In general, the root system of cereal has more benefit from intercropping and OMW application. The valorization of OMW by spreading on soil of mixed forage crop would be a sustainable agro-ecological solution to the environmental nuisances caused by the uncontrolled release of OMW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine silage yield and quality of Hungarian vetch/forage pea (V/P) with rye (R) mixed in an intercropping system that provides maximum level of faulting from the field. The field experiment was conducted in 2021-2022 to examine the effects of different binary sowing ratio (20:80%R/P, 40:60%R/P, 60:40%R/P; 80:20%R/P; 20:80%R/V, 40:60%R/V, 60:40%R/V; 80:20%R/V, 100%R, 100%P, 100%V) in 3 replications. The treatments were harvested in July 2022 for silage, and hay yield and fresh yield were determined in the intercropping treatments before ensiling. On the same day, silages were filled by the same mix ratios in plastic cans. After fermentation, the dry matter ratio, pH, sucrose, crude protein, ADF, NDF, mineral matters and organic acid were defined in silages. Before ensiling the highest fresh and dry yield were obtained from 80:20%R/P. Yield values were decreased by increase of rye ratio in the mix. The dry matter, crude protein, lactic acid formation, the inhibition of undesirable micro-organisms and nutritional quality has been improved in rye silages prepared with H. vetch and F. pea contribute. Consequently, the combinations of the H. vetch and F. pea contribute to rye silage are complementary, and the intercropping of the binary combination made profitable forage yield and silage quality, according to sole treatments. The positive effects in the investigated parameters are in all mixed ratios, but, 80:20R/P, 60:40R/P and 80:20R/V silages were more superior to the others. Intercropping system, mix silage, rye, legumes, silage quality [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To understand the effects of poplar–intercropping systems on soil nutrients and soil enzyme activities, and further analyzed the relationship between soil enzyme activities and soil nutrients. Methods: Three different planting systems were chosen: a monoculture wheat (Triticum aestivum) system (W), a narrowly spaced poplar (Populus deltoides)–wheat intercropping system (PWN), and a widely spaced poplar–wheat intercropping system (PWW). The chemical properties (soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK)) and four enzymatic activities (urease, catalase, sucrase and alkaline phosphatase) in four soil layers (0–20, 20–40, 40–60 and 60–100 cm) of two sampling sites (1.5 and 3.5 m from tree row) in the three planting systems were investigated. Results: The SOM, TN, TP, TK, AP, AK concentrations and four soil enzyme activities were higher in the intercropping systems than in the monoculture wheat system, especially the PWN system. In the vertical direction, the soil nutrient concentrations and soil enzyme activities decreased with soil depth (P < 0.001), except AK and catalase. In the horizontal direction, the SOM, TN, TP, TK concentrations and four soil enzyme activities decreased with greater of distance from the poplar row, but the distribution trend was the opposite for AN, AP and AK. The correlation analysis revealed that the soil enzyme activities were significantly correlated with the SOM, TN, TP, AN and AP concentrations in the three planting systems (P < 0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion, agroforestry systems can significantly increase soil nutrient status and soil enzyme activities and can be an efficient method for improving soil health conditions. Additionally, compared with the wide poplar spacing in the intercropping system, the reasonably dense planting of intercropped poplar had more obvious effects on improving soil enzyme activities and soil nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Greater amounts of fertilizer are applied every year to meet the growing demand for food. Sugarcane is one of the important food sources for human beings. Methods: Here, we evaluated the effects of a sugarcane--Dictyophora indusiata (DI) intercropping system on soil health by conducting an experiment with three different treatments: (1) bagasse application (BAS process), (2) bagasse + DI (DIS process), and (3) the control (CK). We then analyzed soil chemistry, the diversity of soil bacteria and fungi, and the composition of metabolites to clarify the mechanism underlying the effects of this intercropping system on soil properties. Results and discussion: Soil chemistry analyses revealed that the content of several soil nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) was higher in the BAS process than in the CK. In the DIS process, a large amount of soil P was consumed by DI. At the same time, the urease activity was inhibited, thus slowing down the loss of soil in the DI process, while the activity of other enzymes such as β-glucosidase and laccase was increased. It was also noticed that the content of lanthanum and calcium was higher in the BAS process than in the other treatments, and DI did not significantly alter the concentrations of these soil metal ions. Bacterial diversity was higher in the BAS process than in the other treatments, and fungal diversity was lower in the DIS process than in the other treatments. The soil metabolome analysis revealed that the abundance of carbohydrate metabolites was significantly lower in the BAS process than in the CK and the DIS process. The abundance of D(+)-talose was correlated with the content of soil nutrients. Path analysis revealed that the content of soil nutrients in the DIS process was mainly affected by fungi, bacteria, the soil metabolome, and soil enzyme activity. Our findings indicate that the sugarcane-DIS intercropping system can enhance soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Introducing hyperaccumulators in bamboo forests is an efficient method for heavy metals (HMs) pollution control. HMs can be transferred from soil to bamboo and accumulate in edible bamboo shoots. However, how phytoremediation or cropping systems affect root‐soil interface and transference of HMs from soil to bamboo shoots is unknown. In this study, lei bamboo and Sedum plumbizincicola were planted as a monoculture and intercropping system (bamboo/sedum) on contaminated land. Soil properties, rhizosphere bacterial communities, and HMs concentrations in plants and soils were compared among bamboo in monoculture (B), bamboo in intercropping (BI), sedum in intercropping (SI), and sedum in monoculture (S). In BI, the total nitrogen was 10.8% lower, while total organic carbon (TOC) was 12.3% higher than in B; HMs removal amount in BI was higher than in B, especially cadmium. Intercropping increased the HMs concentrations, bioconcentration factor, translocation factor, and hazard quotient of bamboo shoots. Significant differences in bacterial community structures were confirmed by principal coordinate analysis. Gemmatimonadetes, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Kaistobacter were identified as biomarkers that increased significantly in intercropping, enhancing the diversity of ecological functions in the rhizosphere. Redundancy analysis revealed that rhizosphere bacterial communities were significantly correlated with soil properties, especially TOC and available phosphorus. Intercropping could remarkably alter soil chemical and microbiological properties and facilitate ecosystem restoration by enhancing soil TOC sequestration, activating rhizobacterial community at the root‐soil interface, and finally increasing HMs removal. As the consumption of bamboo shoots grown in contaminated soils may pose health risks, more attention is needed on this issue in phytoremediation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the five most climatically vulnerable districts of Alappuzha in Kerala and Gadag, Kalaburagi, Tumakuru and Chikkaballapura in Karnataka, climate resilient technologies such as the selection of climate resilient varieties, location specific intercropping systems and goat management were demonstrated during 2021. Selection of improved varieties viz., finger millet (ML-365), maize (MAH-14-5), sorghum (SPV 2217) and pigeonpea (BRG-5) performed better with yield of 20.30 q/ha, 27.10 q/ha, 22.75q/ha and 9.30 q/ha, respectively than local varieties. Ground nut + pigeonpea (13.40 q/ha), maize + pigeonpea (71.95 q/ha), green gram + pigeonpea (8.63 q/ha), pigeonpea + black gram (12.25 q/ha) and finger millet + pigeonpea (20.7 q/ha) intercropping systems recorded significantly higher yields compared to their sole crops (12.57 q/ha, 53.97q/ha, 6.25 q/ha, 4.90 q/ha and 20.1 q/ha, respectively). Improved goat shelter with raised platform, reduced the mortality from 40 per cent to 0 and increased number of kids per year (17 kids/year) with net return of Rs.57345/- and B:C ratio of 1.7 compared to traditional goat rearing shelter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping has been widely practiced around the world due to its apparent advantages. However, the soil salt dynamic in the intercropping system has not yet been fully quantified, especially from the perspective of the combined impacts of brackish water irrigation and groundwater recharge. Therefore, a two-year field experiment was performed in the Bayannur, Inner Mongolia, northwest China, to determine soil salt dynamics in the following cropping systems: sole corn (SC), sole tomatoes (ST), two rows of tomatoes intercropping two rows of corn (IC 2–2), and four rows of tomatoes intercropping two rows of corn (IC 4–2). Moreover, the HYDRUS (2D/3D) model was used to quantify the spatio-temporal distributions, salt fluxes, and soil salt balances in different intercropping systems. The result showed that the HYDRUS (2D/3D) model can accurately describe the soil salt dynamics in the tomato-corn intercropping system with different spatial arrangements, with average M RE , R 2, and PBIAS of 9.5 %, 0.84, and −0.7 % for electrical conductivities of the saturation paste extract (EC e). There are apparent spatio-temporal differences in soil salt distributions among different intercropping systems. A clear difference in soil salt distributions was found among different intercropping systems during the middle crop growth stage, especially in the top 0–40 cm soil layer. The highest EC e in the root zones of corn and tomatoes occurred in the SC and IC 2–2 systems, respectively. The salt fluxes in different intercropping systems were mainly vertical and downward. The average soil salt flux in different intercropping systems from zone I (the 0–40 cm soil layer in the corn root zone) to II (the 40–100 cm soil layer in the corn root zone) was 30.6 mg cm−1, while it was 17.9 mg cm−1 from zone III (the 0–40 cm soil layer in the tomato root zone) to IV (the 40–100 cm soil layer in the tomato root zone). Meanwhile, the soil salt flux in the horizontal direction mainly occurred from the corn root zone to the tomato root zone. The lowest EC e occurred in the IC 4–2 system due to its higher leaching ratio of soil salts. Therefore, regarding farmland environment protection, the IC 4–2 system can be recommended as the optimal intercropping system for tomatoes and corn. The findings of this study improve the understanding of the mechanisms of soil salt dynamics for inter-species competition conditions. The study also indicates that soil salt stress can be alleviated by optimizing the spatial arrangements of different crops. • Soil salt dynamics in an intercropping system was quantified by the modified HYDRUS (2D/3D) model. • The difference in soil salt distributions among different intercropping systems occurred in the top 0–40 cm soil layer. • IC 4–2 (four corn and two tomato rows) is the optimal system for tomatoes and corn regarding farmland environment protection. • The leaching ratio of soil salts increased with an increase in the planting ratio of tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) is the most consumed leaf vegetable in Benin. A study carried out in south Benin have shown that the production of this vegetable is severely limited by insect pest pressure. The present study aimed to identify the major constraint limiting amaranth production in Ségbana municipality, located in the north of Benin and proposed sustainable agroecological solutions to farmers. Thus, a survey was conducted among 150 farmers in three villages of Ségbana (Lougou, Sokotindji and Piami) through well-structured questionnaires to know the major constraint limiting amaranth production. Agroecological methods for managing pests of this vegetable were offered to farmers through an experimental trial consisting of a Fisher block with four treatments and five replications conducted in Sokoundji village. The control treatment (To) consisted of amaranth in pure culture; the treatment (T1), amaranth plants surrounded by basil plants; (T2) rows of amaranth alternated with basil rows and (T3), amaranth plants alternated with basil plants in all directions. Every 5 days, 5 plants were randomly selected per treatment and the numbers of S. recurvalis and P. basalis were counted. Pest damage and yield per treatment were also assessed. Almost all farmers surveyed (100%) reported pest attacks as the major constraint limiting amaranth production. The results obtained on the abundance and the herbivory rate showed powerful negative effects (Df = 3; P

Nitrogen (N) availability under no-till intercropping systems has not been widely investigated in diverse agro-ecological regions in Limpopo Province. Two seasons of rainfed experiments were conducted during 2018/19 and 2020/21 in a 2 × 4 × 2 factorial design to measure the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) ability of cowpea in an intercropping system with four grain sorghum cultivars at two test locations, Ofcolaco and Syferkuil, of Limpopo Province using the natural abundance technique. The cowpea nitrogen isotope composition (δ 15N‰) ranged from 0.2 ‰ to 4‰ at Ofcolaco, whereas at Syferkuil, the range was 2 ‰ to 7 ‰. The N derived from air (Ndfa) was from 35% to 92% at Ofcolaco and 4% to 70% at Syferkuil during the two cropping seasons. The amount of N2 fixed across locations and seasons ranged from 1 kg ha−1 to 71 kg ha−1. In the intercropping system, cowpea fixed more N at higher densities compared with lower densities at the two experimental sites. Biomass was significantly correlated with N accumulated by cowpea (r2 > 0.9) at all locations and across seasons. N accumulated in sole cultures was 30% more at Ofcolaco and 36% more at Syferkuil compared with binary cultures. Furthermore, the treatment combination, cowpea density, as well as cropping system, significantly affected N fixation and accumulation. For high productivity, cowpea intercrop with grain sorghum cultivar Enforcer is recommended, as both crops complemented each other when intercropped. The research should investigate further the root distribution and biomass production of sorghum and cowpea, as well as their impact on N intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]