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In this study, the changes in yield, nutrient content, and amino acid levels in legume–cereal grass mixtures were qualitatively evaluated depending on the legume–cereal combination and inoculation with preparations based on Rhizobium. This study, taking into account the biological characteristics of legume forage crops, used inoculations with strains of nodule bacteria and associative nitrogen fixers to enhance the process of the nitrogen fixation of mixed crops of legumes and cereal. The aim of this study was to compare the yields and nutritional values of monocultures and mixed crops, as well as to determine the effects of preparations based on strains of nodule bacteria and the associated nitrogen fixer on the photosynthetic activity and yield of combined annual legume–grain crops. A comparative study of forage crop biomass was conducted to analyze crude protein, fiber, carotene, and amino acid content in monocultures and legume–cereal mixtures, with and without the use of nodule-bacteria-based preparations (Rhizotorphin, Mizorine, Flavobactrin, and Azolene). The combined effect of crop mixtures and biological products led to increased green mass yield, protein content, and feed productivity. Notably, two-component mixtures with Rhizotorphin inoculation increased green mass yield by 8.79%, while three-component mixtures saw a 16.49% increase. The oat–pea mixture showed the most significant amino acid improvements, with lysine increasing by 6.26% and tyrosine by 3.24%. The general conclusion reached by the two-year experiment of 2022–2023 in the hill–plain zone of northern Kazakhstan is that double grass mixtures treated with nodule bacteria are more productive than monoculture crops in this area. These results suggest that inoculation with bacterial strains can effectively enhance the productivity of forage crops in northern Kazakhstan, providing a basis for future recommendations on optimizing herbaceous crop combinations. It is recommended to grow annual forage crops in mixtures with legumes to produce highly nutritious feeds with high metabolic energy in terms of biochemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forage shortage is more aggravating than ever before, with husbandry development accelerating and meat and dairy product demand increasing. Salinized soils are important reserve land encouraged to be used for forage production in China. However, the salt-tolerant cultivation techniques for forage crops are still inadequate. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to study the effects of the mixed cropping ratio of oat and alfalfa on plant growth and physiological traits, forage yield, and forage quality in saline soils. Oat (Avena sativa L.) variety of Canadian Monopoly and alfalfa variety of WL525HQ were used, and five mixed cropping ratios (T1 = 100% oat + 0% alfalfa, CK, T2 = 75% oat + 25% alfalfa, T3 = 50% oat + 50% alfalfa, T4 = 25% oat + 75% alfalfa, and T5 = 0% oat + 100% alfalfa) were evaluated. The results showed that plant height, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, starch, antioxidant enzymes, and crude fat were increased firstly and then decreased prominently with decreased oats and increased alfalfa sowing rate; the maximum values showed under T2 but the minimum value under T5 at evaluated growth periods. On the contrary, malondialdehyde and acid detergent fiber were significantly decreased and then increased; the lowest contents were recorded under T2 and highest under T5. Furthermore, the relative growth rate, forage yield, neutral detergent fiber, and crude ash were decreased prominently with decreased oats and increased alfalfa sowing rate, and the highest and lowest values showed under T1 and T5, respectively. Oppositely, the contents of sucrose, proline, N, P, K, relative feeding value, and crude protein were all increased, with the highest contents generated under T2 and the lowest under T1. On the whole, the mixed cropping treatment of T2 showed the best performance in improving both biomass yield and forage quality by enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, osmotic regulatory substances, and nutrient uptake and utilization. Therefore, this study indicates that 75% oat mixed cropping with 25% alfalfa can be recommended as a salt-tolerant cultivation technique for forage high-yield and high-quality production in moderately saline soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement Over the last 50 years, the practice of ‘intercropping’ (planting a mixture of several crops on the same field) has drawn growing attention in crop science. Given its high yields but low requirement for fertiliser or pesticides, it offers considerable advantages over conventional ‘industrial’ agriculture. Nevertheless, although research on intercropping has been conducted since the late 19th century, that work became largely invisible after 1945 as the rapid rise of industrial agriculture erased alternative approaches from view. Since the 1970s, however, intercropping and other alternatives have reappeared on the research agenda as the damaging impacts of industrial agriculture have become evident. Summary Intercropping has long been of interest in agro‐ecology. Indeed, as the first generation of (English‐speaking) agro‐ecologists saw it, research on intercropping began in the 1970s and 1980s just as the field was beginning to emerge. Although the evidence confirms a rapid increase in such work from the 1970s, however, what nearly all agro‐ecologists then overlooked was the existence of two older traditions of work dating from the late 19th century. The aim of this paper is to explain why early agro‐ecologists were unaware of previous work. The history of research on intercropping in both the English‐ and German‐speaking worlds was traced using the journal literature as well as textbooks of agronomy. What this survey revealed is that in Europe and North America, agronomists had been working on intercropping since the 1890s, and during the interwar period and into the 1950s, the practice attracted considerable attention from colonial agronomists. Although this early work was in the public domain during the 1970s, however, few agro‐ecologists noticed it. There are various reasons why the first generation of agro‐ecologists might have known about but chose to ignore earlier work on intercropping. But more likely is that most members of that generation were simply unaware of the older work. For the forgotten history of intercropping, research appears to be just one aspect of a more general phenomenon during the 20th century in which a wide variety of ‘alternative’ cultivation practices were marginalised after 1945, only to re‐emerge from the 1970s as the social and environmental consequences of industrial agriculture came under attack.

Purpose: Interactions between plants and soil biota play an important role in maintaining the productivity and sustainability of agro-ecosystems, but mechanisms responsible for these interactions still are little understood. We investigated the growth of different faba bean genotypes in response to soil decomposer animals in monoculture and mixed cropping system. Methods: In a microcosms experiment, we tested the effects of cropping system (monoculture, mixture with wheat), genotypes (S-62, S-69) and soil decomposers (earthworms, collembolans) on agronomic traits of faba bean. Trait performance and organ biomass of faba bean were evaluated after 100 and 180 days. Results: Genotype S-62 performed better than S-69 for stem, leaf and flowering traits, but it was the opposite for bean biomass. Mixture with wheat reduced most agronomic traits values but not bean biomass for both genotypes. Soil decomposer animals only showed an impact on the S-69 genotype in mixture, with most agronomic traits reduced by 4.6% ~ 19.9% but bean biomass increased by 139.7%. Conclusions: The effect of soil decomposer animals on bean agronomic traits varied between bean genotypes and depended on cropping system. Effects were most pronounced in the genotype allocating more resources to roots and the effects were stronger in mixed cropping systems with wheat. The more pronounced effect of soil decomposer animals in mixed cropping systems was likely due to animals increasing the competitive strength of wheat, thereby suppressing a wide range of bean agronomic traits but not bean biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIntercropping is a sustainable way to achieve the growing demands for food and fodder of expanding population of tropical areas. Combined application of nutrient sources along with inclusion of fodder crops in cropping system will influence soil as well as plant characteristics above ground as well as below it. These sustainable approaches may increase nutrient use efficiency by rhizosphere management at soil and plant level giving better understanding of soil plant atmosphere continuum (SPAC). The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of nutrient management and seed ratios on dynamics of root nodules of berseem as well as succeeding crop cowpea at Agronomy Research farm, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India. Intensive root studies had been done regarding root parameters in berseem as well as residual succeeding crop cowpea in this research. The study revealed that 100%RDF(Recommended dose of Fertilizer)+PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) had given maximum number of nodules (118.60) and other traits for three cuttings in terms of nutrient management and sole berseem in terms of seed ratios number of nodules (112.92), whereas 50%RDF (Recommended dose of Fertilizer) +50% FYM (Farm Yard Manure)-(62.5) and sole berseem (54.30) at harvest had shown better results in terms of residual activity on roots nodules of succeeding crop cowpea where number of nodules (62.5) and fresh wt. of root nodules (622.1 mg) at harvest in 50%RDF + 50% FYM. This research revealed that employing organic sources of nutrients like FYM (Farm Yard Manure) and biofertilizers like PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) along with inorganics in correct proportions enhances the root traits of leguminous fodder crops and reduce sole dependency on harmful agricultural inputs. Hence, this would fulfill the long-term nutritional requirement of crop and preserve crop status in terms of quality and quantity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicago ruthenica is a promising leguminous forage crop due to its lack of saponins, which prevents bloat in livestock from excessive consumption. Legume/grass mixed cropping is an effective forage planting method widely used in agricultural and pastoral regions. However, there is a lack of research on using legume-grass mixed cropping to establish perennial, high-yield, and high-quality cultivated grasslands in the Longxi Loess Plateau. This study conducted a legume/grass intercropping experiment in the Longxi Loess Plateau region of northwestern China, using Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis. Experimental plots were established in 2021, with field sampling and laboratory analysis starting in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The research aimed to investigate the effects of intercropping Medicago ruthenica with Bromus inermis on forage yield and quality, and to determine the optimal intercropping ratios. The experiment tested various intercropping ratios of Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis in the fall (2:8, 3:7, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, 8:2), with sole crops of each species serving as controls. Results showed that, in the second and third years of mixed cropping, the forage yield under mixed cropping treatments was significantly higher than that of Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis monoculture, with increases of 40.89-70.88% and 13.97-38.22% in the second year, and 131.91-199.13% and 44.06-85.82% in the third year. When the legume proportion in the mixed cropping system was around 30%, competition between the two forages reached equilibrium, demonstrating the benefits of mixed cropping. The crude protein and ether extract content of mixed forage were significantly higher than those of monoculture, while the neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents were significantly lower, indicating a higher feeding value for the mixed forage. The legume proportion was a key factor influencing the yield of mixed forage. In conclusion, a mixed planting ratio of Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis at 3:7 resulted in higher yield and nutritional quality, making it an optimal ratio for establishing cultivated forage fields in the Longxi Loess Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Over the last 50 years, the practice of 'intercropping' (planting a mixture of several crops on the same field) has drawn growing attention in crop science. Given its high yields but low requirement for fertiliser or pesticides, it offers considerable advantages over conventional 'industrial' agriculture. Nevertheless, although research on intercropping has been conducted since the late 19th century, that work became largely invisible after 1945 as the rapid rise of industrial agriculture erased alternative approaches from view. Since the 1970s, however, intercropping and other alternatives have reappeared on the research agenda as the damaging impacts of industrial agriculture have become evident. Summary: Intercropping has long been of interest in agro‐ecology. Indeed, as the first generation of (English‐speaking) agro‐ecologists saw it, research on intercropping began in the 1970s and 1980s just as the field was beginning to emerge. Although the evidence confirms a rapid increase in such work from the 1970s, however, what nearly all agro‐ecologists then overlooked was the existence of two older traditions of work dating from the late 19th century. The aim of this paper is to explain why early agro‐ecologists were unaware of previous work. The history of research on intercropping in both the English‐ and German‐speaking worlds was traced using the journal literature as well as textbooks of agronomy. What this survey revealed is that in Europe and North America, agronomists had been working on intercropping since the 1890s, and during the interwar period and into the 1950s, the practice attracted considerable attention from colonial agronomists. Although this early work was in the public domain during the 1970s, however, few agro‐ecologists noticed it. There are various reasons why the first generation of agro‐ecologists might have known about but chose to ignore earlier work on intercropping. But more likely is that most members of that generation were simply unaware of the older work. For the forgotten history of intercropping, research appears to be just one aspect of a more general phenomenon during the 20th century in which a wide variety of 'alternative' cultivation practices were marginalised after 1945, only to re‐emerge from the 1970s as the social and environmental consequences of industrial agriculture came under attack. Over the last 50 years, the practice of 'intercropping' (planting a mixture of several crops on the same field) has drawn growing attention in crop science. Given its high yields but low requirement for fertiliser or pesticides, it offers considerable advantages over conventional 'industrial' agriculture. Nevertheless, although research on intercropping has been conducted since the late 19th century, that work became largely invisible after 1945 as the rapid rise of industrial agriculture erased alternative approaches from view. Since the 1970s, however, intercropping and other alternatives have reappeared on the research agenda as the damaging impacts of industrial agriculture have become evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is known to vary among different ecosystems and soilscapes, yet the degree of variation remains uncertain. Comparing SOC levels in undisturbed ecosystems like forests with those in gradually altered ecosystems can provide valuable insights into the impact of land use on carbon dynamics. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different land uses on soil fertility parameters in the tropical region of Kerala, focusing on forests as well as cultivated agricultural landscape such as coconut, pepper, tapioca, acacia plantations, and mixed home garden cropping systems. Significant variations were observed among different crops and land use systems in terms of soil fertility. Forests exhibited the highest SOC content at 3.78 g kg−1, while acacia plantations showed the lowest at 0.76 g kg−1. Additionally, various soil properties such as different carbon fractions (e.g., humic acid, fulvic acid), total nitrogen, carbon, available nutrients, physical properties, aggregate size fractions, microbial biomass carbon, and spectral signatures differed significantly across the different land uses. These findings suggest a decline in soil fertility in altered ecosystems compared to adjacent forest soils, highlighting the vital role of forests in conserving natural resources and maintaining soil health. In addition, among the different landscapes studied, mixed cropping systems of home gardens sustained soil fertility better than monocropping systems. The observed variations in soil physicochemical properties among different land use types indicate a threat to sustainable crop production. Effective management practices aimed at improving soil fertility and sustaining crop production in these altered ecosystems are essential. This study highlights the importance of adopting appropriate management strategies to conserve soil health and ensure sustainable crop production in tropical landscapes like Kerala. The holistic approach adopted in this study, encompassing a wide range of soil fertility parameters across various land uses, along with its implications for sustainable land management, adds significant novelty and relevance to the existing literature on soil dynamics in tropical regions like Kerala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive agriculture relies largely on monocultures and plant protection chemicals to sustain food security but leaning towards such practices undermines environmental sustainability due to negative impacts towards ecosystem services. This increases the need of biodiversity driven pest management strategies especially for wheat, one of the main food crops, worldwide. In Pakistan, which is comprised in area origin of wheat, we evaluated the biological control potential of canola-wheat strip cropping and alternate row intercropping compared to wheat sole cropping against wheat aphids in crop seasons of 2021 and 2023 in organic and conventional fields. Abundance, evenness and diversity of aphids and natural enemies were lower and higher, respectively, in alternate-row intercropping compared to wheat monocrop in both conventional and organic farm types. Contrarily, pest richness was similar among cropping systems in both farming types in 2023, but natural enemies’ richness was greater in intercropped plots in both the years. Natural enemies’ density and diversity indices proved to be strong predictors of aphid suppression in the fields. Increased enemies and reduced aphids in the diversified systems show positive complementarity among the enemies having different hunting behaviours and suggest the acquisition of floral and prey resources provided by canola. Our study has implications for the management of wheat aphids in its area of origin through ecological intensification at a pilot scale for steering agricultural systems toward agroecological redesign.

The scarcity of high-quality forage has a significant influence on the productivity and profitability of livestock. Addressing this concern, an investigation was undertaken to assess the effects of distinct Italian ryegrass genotypes, namely, Punjab ryegrass-1, Kashmir collection, and Makhan grass, in conjunction with varying seeding ratios of Italian ryegrass to Egyptian clover. The seeding ratios considered were 100:0 (Italian ryegrass to Egyptian clover), 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75. All possible combinations of Italian ryegrass and Egyptian clover with seeding ratios were set up in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. Co-cultivating Italian ryegrass and Egyptian clover at a 75:25 seeding ratio yields the best yield benefit, as determined by the land equivalent ratio. It is noteworthy that in this configuration, real yield loss is higher for Egyptian clover and for Italian ryegrass when the seeding ratio is 25:75. The higher competitiveness of Italian ryegrass in comparison to Egyptian clover is highlighted by the competitive ratio. Notably, the nutritive parameter, crude protein yield, was significantly higher in the Makhan grass-based 50:50 and 75:25 seeding ratio. Results of the study ascertained the compatibility of grass-legume co-cultivation with significantly higher quantity and quality forage harvested under mixed cropping systems whereas Makhan grass as the superior and dominant genotype in comparison to Kashmir collection. The outcomes of this study revealed that the 100:0 seeding ratio, coupled with the Makhan grass genotype, exhibited superior performance in terms of cumulative forage harvest, dry matter accumulation, net returns, and benefit-cost ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat manipulation such as intercropping can be used as a simple and common cultural practice in pest management. This method is based on the principle of reducing pest populations by increasing the diversity of an ecosystem. This study has been carried out to evaluate the influence of additive series intercropping common bean with some aromatic plants (AP), and 2 acaricides on the different life stages (egg, immature mobile stages, and adult) of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae), over 2 yr of experimentation (2020 and 2021). This experiment was conducted following a randomized complete block design with 7 treatments including common bean monoculture, common bean sprayed by spiromesifen or Dayabon, and common bean + companion plants (coriander, ajwain, basil, or dill). Each treatment was replicated 3 replicates. The lowest and highest number of eggs, immature mobile stages, and adults were observed in common bean + spiromesifen and the common bean monoculture, respectively. Additionally, the common bean + Dayabon supported significantly different T. urticae life stage densities compared to common bean monoculture. Also, among intercropped treatments, common bean + basil showed the lowest number of T. urticae (eggs, immature mobile stages, and adults). The highest yield and land equivalent ratio were recorded in common bean + basil and common bean + spiromesifen, respectively. Finally, it can be concluded that additive intercropping with these AP can effectively decrease the T. urticae population density, which is useful for the safe production of common bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article makes two central arguments to advance inconclusive literature in relevant extant research related to agriculture adaptation and climate change in the global south. First, it argues a relationship exists between land tenure and climate variability adaptation strategies. Second, it argues climate information sources influence climate variability adaptation strategies. Drawing on 150 smallholder farmers in southern Ghana, using a mixed methods paradigm, we answer two research questions: What is the relationship between land ownership and climate variability adaptation strategies? What are the sources of climate variability information that inform adaptation strategies? The findings show that land ownership positively correlates with mixed cropping, use of organic manure, and irrigation. Radio, agricultural extension agents, peer farmers, and families constitute major sources of climate information that influence climate variability adaptation strategies. Governments in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) can implement land administration initiatives that ensures secured land tenure and engender long-term capital-intensive agricultural investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the adoption of climate-smart practices among arable crop farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling procedure was used to select two hundred and thirteen (213) arable crop farmers in the study area. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and Tobit regression. Findings showed that mixed cropping system (88.3%), planting of trees (77.3%) and changing planting date (79.8%) were the most adopted climate-smart practices in the study area. Also, 45.1% and 34.7% had high adoption and very high adoption of climate smart practices, respectively. The most severe constraints faced by arable crop farmers were high cost of input ( =2.78), inadequate training on climate-smart practices ( =2.74) and lack of finance ( =2.69).The coefficient of age (?=-0.01), farming experience (?=0.07), and access to extension (?=-0.07) influenced the adoption of climate-smart practices. It is recommended that training should be organized for arable crop farmers that will update their knowledge on climate-friendly practices in order to control the negative effects of climate change.

This study portrays the roles of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in the mitigation of natural hazards. Menoreh Hill in Kulon Progo experienced more than 200 landslides in 2022 and its communities implemented TEK to mitigate them. Hence, this research quantitatively analyzes the role of agriculture-related TEK, especially those applied in hilly areas, to support household resilience to natural hazards. Authors surveyed 106 farm households and interviewed eight key informants in Banjararum and Sidoharjo Villages, Kalibawang and Samigaluh Sub-districts, Kulon Progo Regency, D.I. Yogyakarta. The data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The descriptive statistics showed that farmers in both villages are highest in practicing alley cropping and integrated farming, while also applying mixed cropping, multiple cropping and locally based planting schedule (pranata mangsa). From binary logistic regression, authors found that TEK practices of multiple cropping, alley cropping and pranata mangsa support farm household resilience to natural hazards, especially landslides. The TEK practices serve as sources of buffer and adaptation capacity in the development of farm household resilience. Interestingly, mixed cropping and membership in farmer groups tend to weaken resilience, as mixed cropping often complicates the recovery efforts in the farmlands, and farmers’ groups are not conditioned to act promptly during hazards or disasters. While TEK has been proven to take roles in the mitigation and adaptation to natural hazards, there is a need to integrate scientific knowledge to improve its optimum benefits.

Intercropping of legume and cereal crop species shows potential to reduce root disease pressures by changing root-associated microbiomes and improving nitrogen (N) use via soil N-dependent fixation of atmospheric N2 by symbiotic rhizobia. A two-year field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of pea–barley association on crop performance and on the root fungal community. Five pea cultivars (Alvesta, Karpate, Mytic, Respect, and Vitra) were grown either in pure stands or mixed with one variety of barley (Atrika). We measured crop grain yield and root rot incidence and analyzed root fungal communities. In mixed stands, total grain yield was more stable compared with that in each pure stand, but pea root disease incidence was higher except for cultivars Vitra and Karpate. The effect of cropping system on fungal alpha diversity depended on the cultivar, with Vitra showing higher Shannon diversity and Alvesta showing lower richness in mixed compared with pure stands. All four operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to the Didymellaceae family were positively associated with pea root rot, and another disease-associated OTU in pea, Neoascochyta exitialis, was found to be also part of the barley core microbiome. Eleven of twelve OTUs belonging to the Glomeraceae family were associated with healthy roots and abundant in cultivar Vitra. This study shows how the phenotype and fungal microbiome of different pea cultivars respond distinctly to intercropping. Furthermore, the identification of disease- and health-associated taxa in the pea root fungal community refines the characterization of different cultivar candidates for intercropping. [Graphic: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.

In this study, the changes in yield, nutrient content, and amino acid levels in legume–cereal grass mixtures were qualitatively evaluated depending on the legume–cereal combination and inoculation with preparations based on Rhizobium. This study, taking into account the biological characteristics of legume forage crops, used inoculations with strains of nodule bacteria and associative nitrogen fixers to enhance the process of the nitrogen fixation of mixed crops of legumes and cereal. The aim of this study was to compare the yields and nutritional values of monocultures and mixed crops, as well as to determine the effects of preparations based on strains of nodule bacteria and the associated nitrogen fixer on the photosynthetic activity and yield of combined annual legume–grain crops. A comparative study of forage crop biomass was conducted to analyze crude protein, fiber, carotene, and amino acid content in monocultures and legume–cereal mixtures, with and without the use of nodule-bacteria-based preparations (Rhizotorphin, Mizorine, Flavobactrin, and Azolene). The combined effect of crop mixtures and biological products led to increased green mass yield, protein content, and feed productivity. Notably, two-component mixtures with Rhizotorphin inoculation increased green mass yield by 8.79%, while three-component mixtures saw a 16.49% increase. The oat–pea mixture showed the most significant amino acid improvements, with lysine increasing by 6.26% and tyrosine by 3.24%. The general conclusion reached by the two-year experiment of 2022–2023 in the hill–plain zone of northern Kazakhstan is that double grass mixtures treated with nodule bacteria are more productive than monoculture crops in this area. These results suggest that inoculation with bacterial strains can effectively enhance the productivity of forage crops in northern Kazakhstan, providing a basis for future recommendations on optimizing herbaceous crop combinations. It is recommended to grow annual forage crops in mixtures with legumes to produce highly nutritious feeds with high metabolic energy in terms of biochemical composition.

The forage shortage is more aggravating than ever before, with husbandry development accelerating and meat and dairy product demand increasing. Salinized soils are important reserve land encouraged to be used for forage production in China. However, the salt-tolerant cultivation techniques for forage crops are still inadequate. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to study the effects of the mixed cropping ratio of oat and alfalfa on plant growth and physiological traits, forage yield, and forage quality in saline soils. Oat (Avena sativa L.) variety of Canadian Monopoly and alfalfa variety of WL525HQ were used, and five mixed cropping ratios (T1 = 100% oat + 0% alfalfa, CK, T2 = 75% oat + 25% alfalfa, T3 = 50% oat + 50% alfalfa, T4 = 25% oat + 75% alfalfa, and T5 = 0% oat + 100% alfalfa) were evaluated. The results showed that plant height, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, starch, antioxidant enzymes, and crude fat were increased firstly and then decreased prominently with decreased oats and increased alfalfa sowing rate; the maximum values showed under T2 but the minimum value under T5 at evaluated growth periods. On the contrary, malondialdehyde and acid detergent fiber were significantly decreased and then increased; the lowest contents were recorded under T2 and highest under T5. Furthermore, the relative growth rate, forage yield, neutral detergent fiber, and crude ash were decreased prominently with decreased oats and increased alfalfa sowing rate, and the highest and lowest values showed under T1 and T5, respectively. Oppositely, the contents of sucrose, proline, N, P, K, relative feeding value, and crude protein were all increased, with the highest contents generated under T2 and the lowest under T1. On the whole, the mixed cropping treatment of T2 showed the best performance in improving both biomass yield and forage quality by enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, osmotic regulatory substances, and nutrient uptake and utilization. Therefore, this study indicates that 75% oat mixed cropping with 25% alfalfa can be recommended as a salt-tolerant cultivation technique for forage high-yield and high-quality production in moderately saline soil.

Background: The increasing demand for food and feed necessitates the adoption of suitable crop production practices to enhance production while ensuring sustainability and conservation of scarce natural resources under the harsh environmental conditions in arid and semiarid regions. The mixed cropping of cereals and legumes is a critical component in sustainable agricultural system with improved forage yield. In addition, forage production with improved water use efficiency is vital in arid regions with limited irrigation water resources. The study investigated the combined effect of cereal-legume (barley-alfalfa) mixed cropping and deficit irrigation on the forage growth, dry matter yield and water productivity. Methods: The experiment was conducted at the KISR Station for Research and Innovation, Kuwait. Barley was mixed cropped with alfalfa in three different seed rate combinations (1:3, 1:1, 3:1) in addition to the sole cropping of component crops under three different irrigation regimes, corresponding to full irrigation (100% ET0) and two deficit irrigation (75% and 50% ETo of full irrigation) for two growing seasons (2017-2018 and 2018-2019). Result: The barley-alfalfa mixed cropping under deficit irrigation enhanced water productivity and dry matter yield under arid environmental conditions. The plant height, number of tillers per meter square, number of nodes, dry matter yield and water productivity were significantly affected by irrigation application rates. The mixed cropping of barley and alfalfa in 1:1 followed by 1:3 seed rate ratio and sole cropping of alfalfa under 75% irrigation revealed better performance in terms of dry matter yield and water productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smallholder farmers in Tigray have been growing Rhamnus prinoides trees/shrubs with annual crops in rain-fed farmlands. Although this agroforestry system is widely practiced, there are no sufficient scientific reports on its profitability and financial returns. The objective of this research was to analyze the financial profitability and relative financial advantages of R. prinoid-based agroforestry compared to monocropping practices, in eastern Tigray. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 123 randomly selected households who practiced R. prinoides-based agroforestry. To address the objective, we estimated the net present values (NPV), Annuity values, and benefit to cost ratio (BCR) on per hectare basis. The annuity and BCR of agroforestry were compared with those of adjacent monoculture farms of the associated crop components in agroforestry. The land equivalent ratios (LER) of the agroforestry were calculated and compared with sole crops. The NPV and BCR of the agroforestry were 5.6 and nearly fourfold higher than that of the monocropping, respectively. Similarly, the R. prinoides-based agroforestry LER was 0.33–1.36% higher as compared to monocultures. Stocking density and age of agroforestry affected the financial return from R. prinoides-based agroforestry. We concluded that R. prinoides-based agroforestry has superior financial performance over monocrops and is financially less risky. Therefore, the adoption of R. prinoides-based agroforestry practices is a viable option for smallholder farmers to maximize net returns from their rain-fed farmlands and resource inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is a key factor to limiting agricultural products throughout the world, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, since it intervenes with plant morpho-physiology, resulting in reduced growth and development, as well as disruption of ion homeostasis. This work examined the effects of salinity stress on the mono-cropping of T. pratense, F. arundinacea, and M. sativa and CaSO4 and MgSO4 on the mixed-cropping of T. pratense and F. arundinacea under saline conditions. Plants were assessed by dry weights, physiological parameters (photosynthesis rate, SPAD, SLA), forage quality, and ion concentrations. The biomass of all mono species decreased under salinity, except M. sativa, and mixed cropping was affected less than mono-cropping. The values of the mono-cropping of SPAD were decreased in the long term, and SLA was higher than the control in mixed cropping, with the photosynthesis rate of mono-cropping being higher in medium salinity in the long-term; moreover, CaSO4 and MgSO4 enhanced the photosynthesis rate of mixed cropping. Overall, we concluded that M. sativa is tolerant to medium salinity, and mixed cropping plus MgSO4 and CaSO4 were efficient under salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Agriculture is currently the largest driver of biodiversity‐loss worldwide. There is a critical need to develop agricultural systems that protect and promote biodiversity, while also meeting local and global food needs. Ecological theory suggests that cultivating crops in diverse mixtures both maximises niche occupancy and generates additional niches, generating both higher yields and higher biodiversity than cultivation in monocultures. A large and growing body of agronomic research provides strong evidence for the potential productivity and biodiversity benefits of in‐field crop‐diversification strategies. This protocol sets out a methodology for a systematic map of evidence on yield‐ and biodiversity‐outcomes in ‘polycultures’—systems of cultivation where multiple food crop species are grown together simultaneously at field‐scale. Systematic searches with a global scope will be conducted in Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and CAB Abstracts to yield a comprehensive sample of relevant published, peer‐reviewed literature. The articles returned by searches will be subject to eligibility screening according to pre‐defined inclusion criteria, at successive stages (title and abstract, and full text). Following this, we will extract data from eligible studies on study designs, survey and sampling protocols, experimental treatments and comparators, and outcomes measured. A narrative synthesis, illustrated by tables, figures and maps, will describe the quantity and characteristics of the available evidence on the impacts of polycultural cropping on (i) crop yields, and (ii) agroecosystem biodiversity. We will also identify the research that examines these two outcomes in parallel. The synthesis will be accompanied by a published database containing bibliographic information as well as data (see ‘2’) on study characteristics and outcomes. Practical implications. The anticipated systematic map will provide a synthesis of current evidence regarding the potential yield‐ and biodiversity‐impacts of polycultural cropping. We will identify key knowledge gaps, and ‘clusters’ of related evidence that could lend themselves to further quantitative synthesis via subsequent systematic reviews and/or meta‐analyses. As such, the work will facilitate future appraisal of the potential of polyculture as a tool to bridge the currently conflicting priorities of food production on the one hand and biodiversity conservation on the other.

The scarcity of high-quality forage has a significant influence on the productivity and profitability of livestock. Addressing this concern, an investigation was undertaken to assess the effects of distinct Italian ryegrass genotypes, namely, Punjab ryegrass-1, Kashmir collection, and Makhan grass, in conjunction with varying seeding ratios of Italian ryegrass to Egyptian clover. The seeding ratios considered were 100:0 (Italian ryegrass to Egyptian clover), 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75. All possible combinations of Italian ryegrass and Egyptian clover with seeding ratios were set up in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. Co-cultivating Italian ryegrass and Egyptian clover at a 75:25 seeding ratio yields the best yield benefit, as determined by the land equivalent ratio. It is noteworthy that in this configuration, real yield loss is higher for Egyptian clover and for Italian ryegrass when the seeding ratio is 25:75. The higher competitiveness of Italian ryegrass in comparison to Egyptian clover is highlighted by the competitive ratio. Notably, the nutritive parameter, crude protein yield, was significantly higher in the Makhan grass-based 50:50 and 75:25 seeding ratio. Results of the study ascertained the compatibility of grass-legume co-cultivation with significantly higher quantity and quality forage harvested under mixed cropping systems whereas Makhan grass as the superior and dominant genotype in comparison to Kashmir collection. The outcomes of this study revealed that the 100:0 seeding ratio, coupled with the Makhan grass genotype, exhibited superior performance in terms of cumulative forage harvest, dry matter accumulation, net returns, and benefit–cost ratio.

The combination of soil amendments with plants can be a viable option for restoring the functionality of PTEs-contaminated soils. Soil recovery could be further optimized through the mixed cropping of plant species (e.g. legumes and grasses) with different physiological characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess the phytoremediation ability of Vicia villosa Roth. And Lolium rigidum Gaud. Grown alone or in mixture in a soil contaminated with PTEs (C), i.e. Cd (23 mg kg−1), Pb (4473 mg kg−1) and Zn (3147 mg kg−1), and amended with 3% biochar (C + B). Biochar improved soil fertility and changed PTEs distribution, reducing soluble fractions and increasing the more stable ones. The addition of biochar increased the plant biomass of hairy vetch and annual ryegrass, both in monoculture and when in mixture. For example, shoot and root biomass of the C + B intercropped hairy vetch and annual ryegrass increased 9- and 7-fold, and ∼3-fold respectively, compared to the respective C plants. The biochar addition decreased PTE-uptake by both plants, while mixed cropping increased the uptake of PTEs by shoots of hairy vetch grown in C and C + B. The bioaccumulation, translocation factors, and mineralomass showed that hairy vetch and annual ryegrass behaved as phytostabilising plants. PTE mineralomasses proved that mixed cropping in C + B increased the overall capacity of PTE accumulation by plant tissues, particularly the root system. Therefore, the combination of biochar and legumes/grasses mixed cropping could be an effective solution for the recovery of PTEs-contaminated soils and the mitigation of their environmental hazard.

Agroforestry is gaining interest due to its potential in enhancing climate resilience and sustainability of farming systems. In this meta-analysis, the crop yield in agroforestry system compared to the control (sole crop) from thirty-six experimental field trials in Mediterranean countries was assessed. The response variable Wlog(RR) (i.e., the weighted natural logarithm of the response ratio) was analyzed by the 95% confidence intervals of mean and by fitting eight linear mixed models. Fixed effects, namely the tree cover (low, medium, high), the tree species (ash tree, chestnut, cork oak, holm oak, olive, poplar, walnut), and the crop species (alfalfa, barley, durum wheat, faba bean, forage, oat, pasture, pea, winter wheat) were significant (P = 0.030, P = 0.017, and P = 0.014, respectively), while the system type (alley cropping, silvo-arable, silvo-pastoral) was not. Among management practices (variety, pruning, fertilization, irrigation, crop age classes, imposed warming and drought, harvest time), only the fertilization significantly improved the response variable (P = 0.006), while the interaction of pruning × crop species was marginally significant (P = 0.065). Relatively large study heterogeneity was observed (Q = 72.6, I2 = 72%), which is quite common for agronomic meta-analysis. On the contrary, publication bias based on funnel plots and the Trim and Fill method suggested symmetrical distribution of studies. The sensitivity analysis for significant models identified room for improvements. Overall, we observed a negative effect of trees on crop yield that could be ascribed to the competition for light. Nonetheless, facilitation could be expected under extreme climate events, provided that agricultural practices will maximize synergies among tree cover, tree species, crop species, and management. Future works are encouraged to focus on the overall benefit agroforestry can provide at the field and landscape level, along with long-term monitoring to assess the whole lifespan of these systems and other companion planting options and designs in the Mediterranean region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented study deals with the use of legumes intercropped with maize for the production of biogas from silage. The main goal was to find out whether silages made from mixed cultures can be used in biogas production and how the use of such silages affects qualitative and quantitative parameters of the fermentation process compared with the pure maize silage. Variants prepared were pure cultures of maize, bean, lupin, and white sweet clover. In addition, mixed cultures were prepared of maize and individual legumes. Measured values showed that in terms of dry matter (DM) yield, mixed culture silages are almost of the same or even better quality than silage made from the maize monosubstrate. Compared with the maize monoculture silage, the presence of white lupine, white sweet clover, and broad bean in silages statistically significantly increased the content of DM, ash, and acid detergent fiber (by more than 5%). Bean and lupine in mixed silages with maize significantly increased the content of lipids (on average by more than 1.2%). Legumes in silages were significantly decreasing contents of neutral detergent fiber, crude protein, and starch. Production of biogas from silages of maize monosubstrates and mixed substrates of maize with white lupin, maize with white sweet clover, and maize with broad bean was directly proportional to the content of CAR and starch in these substrates. A perspective variant was the mixed substrate of maize and sweet clover from which biogas production was only 6% lower than that from conventional maize silage. The highest yield was recorded in the maize monosubstrate (0.923 m3/kgVS). Variants of mixed substrates had a yield ranging from 0.804 to 0.840 m3/kgVS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing multispecies systems with suitable climatic affinity and identifying species' vulnerability under human‐driven climate change are current challenges to achieve successful adaptation of natural systems. To address this problem, we need to (1) identify groups of species with climatic similarity under climate scenarios and (2) identify areas with high conservation value under predicted climate change.To recognize species with similar climatic niche requirements that can be grouped for mixed cropping in Brazil, we employed ecological niche models (ENMs) and Spearman's ρ for overlap. We also used prioritization algorithms to map areas of high conservation value using two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5) to assess mid‐term (2041–2060) and long‐term (2061–2080) climate change impacts.We identified 15 species groups with finer climatic affinities at different times depicted on hierarchical clustering dendrograms, which can be combined into agroecological agroforestry systems. Furthermore, we highlight the climatically suitable areas for these groups of species, thus providing an outlook of where different species will need to be planted over time to be conserved. In addition, we observed that climate change is predicted to modify the spatial association of these groups under different future climate scenarios, causing a mean negative change in species climatic similarity of 9.5% to 13.7% under SSP2‐4.5 scenario and 9.5% to 10.5% under SSP5‐8.5, for 2041–2060 and 2061–2080, respectively.Synthesis and applications. Our findings provide a framework for agroforestry conservation. The groups of species with finer climatic affinities identified and the climatically suitable areas can be combined into agroecological productive systems, and provide an outlook of where different species may be planted over time. In addition, the conservation priority zones displaying high climate stability for each species individually and all at once can be incorporated into Brazil's conservation plans by policymakers to prioritize specific sites. Lastly, we urge policymakers, conservation organizations and donors to promote interventions involving farmers and local communities, since the species' evaluated have proven to maintain landscapes with productive forest fragments and can be conserved in different Brazilian ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Previous studies found that mixed cropping combined with duck co‐culture (MCDC) system could improve the efficiency of grain production and positively affect soil nutrient contents. However, the effects on grain quality, and profitable income have not been evaluated yet. In this study, a field experiment with four combinations of different rice varieties and ducks was conducted during both the early and late rice growing seasons. RESULTS: The field survey demonstrated that MCDC system significantly decreased the grain appearance of chalky rice rate and the chalkiness degree with an average of 56.82%, and 54.28%, respectively. Leaf SPAD value, photosynthetic rate, and aboveground dry weight were all improved in the MCDC and mixed‐cropping systems, relative to the mono‐cropping system. The net income obtained from the mono‐cropping, mixed cropping (no ducks), and MCDC (with ducks) systems (from grain and ducks' meat) was 581.2 USD ha−1 yr−1, 1001.8 USD ha−1 yr−1, and 5242.1 USD ha−1 yr−1 in both growing seasons, respectively. CONCLUSION: Planting genetically diverse rice varieties and co‐culture with ducks increased rice growth rates, productivity and grain quality. The MCDC system would provide more ecological and economic benefits compared with the conventional mono‐cropping system. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Soil salinity is a key factor to limiting agricultural products throughout the world, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, since it intervenes with plant morpho-physiology, resulting in reduced growth and development, as well as disruption of ion homeostasis. This work examined the effects of salinity stress on the mono-cropping of T. pratense, F. arundinacea, and M. sativa and CaSO4 and MgSO4 on the mixed-cropping of T. pratense and F. arundinacea under saline conditions. Plants were assessed by dry weights, physiological parameters (photosynthesis rate, SPAD, SLA), forage quality, and ion concentrations. The biomass of all mono species decreased under salinity, except M. sativa, and mixed cropping was affected less than mono-cropping. The values of the mono-cropping of SPAD were decreased in the long term, and SLA was higher than the control in mixed cropping, with the photosynthesis rate of mono-cropping being higher in medium salinity in the long-term; moreover, CaSO4 and MgSO4 enhanced the photosynthesis rate of mixed cropping. Overall, we concluded that M. sativa is tolerant to medium salinity, and mixed cropping plus MgSO4 and CaSO4 were efficient under salinity stress.

The presented study deals with the use of legumes intercropped with maize for the production of biogas from silage. The main goal was to find out whether silages made from mixed cultures can be used in biogas production and how the use of such silages affects qualitative and quantitative parameters of the fermentation process compared with the pure maize silage. Variants prepared were pure cultures of maize, bean, lupin, and white sweet clover. In addition, mixed cultures were prepared of maize and individual legumes. Measured values showed that in terms of dry matter (DM) yield, mixed culture silages are almost of the same or even better quality than silage made from the maize monosubstrate. Compared with the maize monoculture silage, the presence of white lupine, white sweet clover, and broad bean in silages statistically significantly increased the content of DM, ash, and acid detergent fiber (by more than 5%). Bean and lupine in mixed silages with maize significantly increased the content of lipids (on average by more than 1.2%). Legumes in silages were significantly decreasing contents of neutral detergent fiber, crude protein, and starch. Production of biogas from silages of maize monosubstrates and mixed substrates of maize with white lupin, maize with white sweet clover, and maize with broad bean was directly proportional to the content of CAR and starch in these substrates. A perspective variant was the mixed substrate of maize and sweet clover from which biogas production was only 6% lower than that from conventional maize silage. The highest yield was recorded in the maize monosubstrate (0.923 m3/kgVS). Variants of mixed substrates had a yield ranging from 0.804 to 0.840 m3/kgVS.

Introduction Intercropping systems play an important role in increasing crop quality, yield and environmental quality through the optimal use of soil, light and water nutrients. Due to the importance of intercropping for sustainable agricultural development, this study will be conducted in order to investigate the intercropping of common millet- cowpea under the alternative and incremental model. Materials and Methods This experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications to evaluate the yield and yield components of common millet (v. Pishahang) and cow pea (v. Mashhad) in intercropping. Treatments included 100% common millet (control), 100% cow pea(control), 25% common millet + 75% cow pea, 50% common millet + 50% cow pea, 75% common millet + 25% cow pea, 100% common millet +25% cow pea, 25% common millet + 100% cow pea, 100% common millet + 50% cow peaand 50% common millet + 100% cow pea. The studied traits were yield and yield components for both plants. Also, LER calculated for both plants. Results and Discussion The results of mean comparison of common millet showed that tiller number in common millet in 75% common millet + 25% cowpea and 100% common millet + 50% cowpea and seed number in plant in 25% common millet + 100% cowpea as compared to control (100% common millet) had the highest increase (41% and 40%, respectively) and the highest decrease (86%) among studied traits, respectively. It was also found that seed yield of common millet in 75% common millet + 25% cowpea and 25% common millet + 100% cowpea when compared to control (100% common millet) had the most increase (24%) and the most decrease (31%). Also, the results of cluster analysis in common millet showed that eight cultivated ratios were divided into three clusters and two cultivated ratios 50% common millet + 50% cowpea and 50% common millet + 100% cowpea were introduced as the best cultivated ratios in common millet. In addition, it was found that seed yield of cowpea decreased in all cultivatied ratios with compared to control. However, the greatest decrease was in the cultivatied ratios 25% cowpea+ 100% common millet and 25% cowpea+ 75% common millet. The cluster analysis results in cowpea showed that the eight cultivatied ratios were divided into two clusters, and two cultivatied ratios, control (100% cowpea) and 100% cowpea+ 25% common millet were known as the best cultivated ratios of cowpea. By calculating the land equivalent ratio found that this parameter was more than one in all cultivated ratios, which showed the superiority of mixed cultivation. However, the land equivalent ratio in the cultivated ratios 75% millet + 25% cowpea and 25% millet + 100% cowpea had the highest and lowest land equivalent ratio, respectively. Conclusions The results showed that the common millet with cowpea intercropping increased yield and yield components compared to monoculture. The best additive intercropping treatment was 50% common millet + 50% cowpea and 50% common millet + 100% cowpea. LER was much higher than one in all of the intercropping ratios, which indicates an increase in agricultural efficiency and usefulness of different ratios of intercropping crops of common millet and cowpea compared to their pure culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Traditional cropping framework in Surgana Tehsil Primary Crops Grown in Surgana Tehsil crop rotations in tribals of Surgana mixed cropping framework in Surgana obstructions of Traditional cropping framework in Surgana sustainability enhancement by Integration of Heterogeneity in crops through MAPs-based intercropping pattern Materials and Methods: Selection of study area, visits were organized to tribal farmers and farming area and field data collection was carried out during the whole cropping season. Results: From decades ago, there has been 5-30% drop in mountain farming in hilly and tribal areas of Maharashtra. Only selected varieties of cereals, pulses, amaranths etc. are important cash crops in the hilly areas of Surgana Tehsil. In conventional cropping pattern, proso millet, finger millet, rice, pea, chick pea, pigeon pea, amaranth etc. were used by farmers of Surgana for mixed cropping system. This conventional cropping patterns are not found much profitable and unable to fulfil the demands of growing population. In such tribal and hilly areas of Surgana, turmeric, hemp, stevia, Tinospora, Asparagus, mint, long pepper, isabgol, lemon grass, ginger, Chlorophytum (safed musli) etc. medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) can play extraordinary role in improving the sustainability of the tribal farming. Nevertheless, these crops yet are not a part of the cropping pattern in Surgana. MAP based intercropping with conventional cropping will obviously enhance the yields of main crops and make extra income to the tribal families. The topography and climatic condition of Surgana is convenient for growth of these crops and incorporation of MAPs with main crops is another choice to boost the agril production in Surgana. Conclusions: The present study concludes in the direction of development in socioeconomic circumstance of Surgana farmers through advent of MAPs as intercrops in the current cropping System. Crop Diversification in present cropping framework including MAPs may be helpful to satisfy the needs of the tribal farmer's family in addition to improve the standard of living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Push-pull technology improves agricultural productivity. However, its long-term effect on biomass carbon and soil organic carbon (SOC) is not yet known. The aims of this study were: to assess the effect of push-pull technology on (1) biomass carbon and (2) SOC, considering climatic conditions and the length of time that push-pull had been practiced on a farm; and (3) to establish the relationship between biomass carbon and SOC on farms. Aboveground biomass carbon and SOC were measured on 36 farms in western Kenya, encompassing three contrasting sites (Bondo, Siaya and Vihiga) and six cropping systems (push-pull and five non-push-pull systems). Farms in western Kenya stock between 3.0 ± 0.3 and 4.0 ± 0.4 t C ha−1 in crop biomass and between 24.4 ± 2.1 and 37.0 ± 2.6 t C ha−1 in the soil for those practicing push-pull, and between 1.1 ± 0.3 and 2.1 ± 0.2 t C ha−1 biomass carbon and between 19.2 ± 2.1 and 31.1 ± 1.7 t C ha−1 soil carbon for those without push-pull. There was no correlation between biomass carbon and SOC. Adoption of push-pull offers opportunities to mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration in plants and soils in low-, medium- and high-rainfall environments in both long and short rain seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Push-pull technology improves agricultural productivity. However, its long-term effect on biomass carbon and soil organic carbon (SOC) is not yet known. The aims of this study were: to assess the effect of push-pull technology on (1) biomass carbon and (2) SOC, considering climatic conditions and the length of time that push-pull had been practiced on a farm; and (3) to establish the relationship between biomass carbon and SOC on farms. Aboveground biomass carbon and SOC were measured on 36 farms in western Kenya, encompassing three contrasting sites (Bondo, Siaya and Vihiga) and six cropping systems (push-pull and five non-push-pull systems). Farms in western Kenya stock between 3.0 ± 0.3 and 4.0 ± 0.4 t C ha−1 in crop biomass and between 24.4 ± 2.1 and 37.0 ± 2.6 t C ha−1 in the soil for those practicing push-pull, and between 1.1 ± 0.3 and 2.1 ± 0.2 t C ha−1 biomass carbon and between 19.2 ± 2.1 and 31.1 ± 1.7 t C ha−1 soil carbon for those without push-pull. There was no correlation between biomass carbon and SOC. Adoption of push-pull offers opportunities to mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration in plants and soils in low-, medium- and high-rainfall environments in both long and short rain seasons.

Close mixed-planting is a new concept of mixed cropping that allows greater complementary effects under various stress conditions; in this system, oxygen and/or water transfer occurs through the tightly entangled root system of the two species. We aimed to assess whether rice can alleviate flood stress in soybeans via close mixed-planting. A three-year field experiment and one water culture experiment were conducted to compare the crop performance between single and close mixed-planting under short-term flood (or anoxia) stresses. The survival rates, photosynthetic rates, and biomass production were higher in the mixed soybean than in the single soybean plants. Moreover, as the modified land equivalent ratio under flood stress was always >1, rice exhibited greater complementary effect on soybean against short-term flood stress in an upland field converted from paddy. Thus, rice planted as the partner crop of soybean can alleviate short-term anaerobic stress to enhance soybean growth.

One of the main problems in the animal industries currently is the constant provision of forage in sufficient amounts with acceptable nutritional content for large and small ruminants, as livestock is a significant source of income for rural people in the Loess Plateau region. Cereals and legumes are essential forage crops because of their nutritional significance, particularly the protein concentration in legumes and the fiber content in cereals. Therefore, combining cereal and legume crops may be a practical solution to the problems of inadequate forage nutrition, an insufficient amount of forage, unsustainable agricultural methods, and declining soil fertility. The current study predicts that mixed cropping of cereals and legumes at the harvesting stage of the soft dough stage and maturity stage based on the cereal growth stage will have different effects on forage biomass output, forage quality index, and nutritional value of the forage. In this study, wheat (Triticum aestivum) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) are used as cereal crops and pea (Pisum sativum), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) are used as legume crops. Three sample replicates and a split-plot design with a randomized block design are used. The study is conducted in the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 cropping seasons. The experimental results show that cereal–legume mixed cropping, particularly the cereal–alfalfa combination, has a positive impact on the biomass yield and nutritional composition of the forage. However, adding peas to cereal has a negative impact on biomass yield, nutritional composition, mineral composition, and forage quality index. Among the treatments, ryegrass–alfalfa mixed cropping was shown to have higher values of WSC%, CP%, EE%, CF%, and ash% in both growing seasons. The values are WSC (15.82%), CP (10.78%), EE (2.30%), CF (32.06%), and ash (10.68%) for the 2020–2021 cropping seasons and WSC (15.03%), CP (11.68%), EE (3.30%), CF (32.92%), and ash (11.07%) for the 2021–2022 cropping seasons, respectively. On the other hand, the current study finds that cereal–alfalfa mixed cropping had a detrimental impact on NDF and ADF concentrations. All nutritional indices, including CP, WSC, EE, CF, ash, NDF, and ADF, have favorable correlations with one another. Furthermore, in both growing seasons, RA, ryegrass–alfalfa mixed cropping, has higher mineral compositions and forage quality indicators. Furthermore, harvesting times have a significant impact on the fresh biomass yield, dry matter yield, nutritional compositions, mineral compositions, and forage quality parameters (p < 0.001), with the highest values being shown when harvesting at the soft dough stage. The current study concludes that, based on chemical composition and quality analysis, the soft dough stage is the greatest harvesting period, and that the cereal–alfalfa mixed cropping is the most preferable due to its maximized quality forage production and nutritional content in livestock feedstuff in the Loess Plateau region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food security depends on the ability of staple crops to tolerate new abiotic and biotic pressures. Wheat, barley, and other small grains face substantial yield losses under all climate change scenarios. Intra-plot diversification is an important strategy for smallholder farmers to mitigate losses due to variable environmental conditions. While this commonly involves sowing polycultures of distinct species from different botanical families in the same field or multiple varieties of the same species (varietal mixtures), mixed plantings of multiple species from the same family are less well known. However, the sowing of maslins, or cereal species mixtures, was formerly widespread in Eurasia and Northern Africa and continues to be employed by smallholder farmers in the Caucasus, Greek Islands, and the Horn of Africa, where they may represent a risk management strategy for climate variability. Here, we review ethnohistorical, agronomic, and ecological literature on maslins with a focus on climate change adaptation, including two case studies from Ethiopian smallholder farmers. The major points are the following: (1) farmers in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Georgia report that mixtures are a strategy for ensuring some yield under unpredictable precipitation and on marginal soils; (2) experimental trials support these observations, demonstrating increased yield advantage and stability under certain conditions, making maslins a potentially adaptive practice when crops are impacted by new biotic and abiotic conditions due to climate change; (3) maslins may balance trade-offs between interfamilial species plantings and varietal mixtures, and expand the total portfolio of traits available for formulating mixtures from varietal mixtures alone; and (4) they may buffer against the impacts of climate trends through passive shifts in species composition in response to environmental pressures. We demonstrate the potential benefits of maslins as an agroecological intensification and climate adaptation strategy and lay out the next steps and outstanding questions regarding the applicability of these cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar application to legume-based mixed cropping systems may enhance soil microbial diversity and nitrogen (N)-cycling function. This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of biochar application on soil microbial diversity and N-cycling function with a particular focus on legume species. Therefore, we performed a pot experiment consisting of three legume species intercropped with maize: cowpea, velvet bean, and common bean. In addition, one of three fertilizers was applied to each crop: biochar made of chicken manure (CM), a chemical fertilizer, or no fertilizer. Amplicon sequencing for the prokaryotic community and functional prediction with Tax4Fun2 were conducted. Under the CM, Simpson's diversity index was higher in soils with common beans than those in other legume treatments. On the other hand, N-cycling genes for ammonia oxidation and nitrite reductase (NO-forming) were more abundant in velvet bean/maize treatment, and this is possibly due to the increased abundance of Thaumarchaeota (6.7%), Chloroflexi (12%), and Planctomycetes (11%). Cowpea/maize treatment had the lowest prokaryotes abundances among legume treatments. Our results suggest that the choice of legume species is important for soil microbial diversity and N-cycling functions in CM applied mixed cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Close mixed-planting is a new concept of mixed cropping that allows greater complementary effects under various stress conditions; in this system, oxygen and/or water transfer occurs through the tightly entangled root system of the two species. We aimed to assess whether rice can alleviate flood stress in soybeans via close mixed-planting. A three-year field experiment and one water culture experiment were conducted to compare the crop performance between single and close mixed-planting under short-term flood (or anoxia) stresses. The survival rates, photosynthetic rates, and biomass production were higher in the mixed soybean than in the single soybean plants. Moreover, as the modified land equivalent ratio under flood stress was always >1, rice exhibited greater complementary effect on soybean against short-term flood stress in an upland field converted from paddy. Thus, rice planted as the partner crop of soybean can alleviate short-term anaerobic stress to enhance soybean growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]