Loam

Legume-cereal intercropping

• Increases land equivalent ratio (LER; i.e. the relative land area required under soil cropping to produce the same yield as under intercropping).
• Reduces the need for pesticides by suppressing weed, pest and soil-borne pathogens, while promoting beneficial species.
• Reduces the need for fertilizers by improving soil health and increasing below ground diversity and functionality.
• Keeps soil element cycles tight and close nutrient gaps.
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Improves the resilience of cropping systems to climate variability

To test these hypotheses, we will investigate the effects intercropping has on

• crop yield (quantity and quality),
• soil health and functionality,
• composition and functionality of the soil microbiome,
• pests and diseases, and
• greenhouse gas emissions.

To address these questions, we will collect data from seven research field trials across Europe.