INTERCROPPING: FEED MORE PEOPLE AND BUILD MORE SUSTAINABLE AGROECOSYSTEMS

doi:10.15302/J-FASE-2021398

Front. Agr. Sci. Eng.

2021, Vol. 8

Issue (3) : 373-386 https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2021398

REVIEW

INTERCROPPING: FEED MORE PEOPLE AND BUILD MORE SUSTAINABLE AGROECOSYSTEMS

Hao YANG, Weiping ZHANG, Long LI(

)

Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, Key Laboratory of Plant and Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education; College of Resource and Environmental Science, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.

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Abstract

• Intercropping is a useful practice when agricultural sustainability is emphasized.

• We integrate biodiversity-ecosystem functioning and intercropping.

• Intercropping optimizes ecosystem services such as stabilizing yield and reducing use of chemicals.

• Intercropping benefits are attributed partly to complementarity and selection effects.

• Application of ecological principles is key to sustainable agricultural development.

Intercropping is a traditional farming system that increases crop diversity to strengthen agroecosystem functions while decreasing chemical inputs and minimizing negative environmental effects of crop production. Intercropping is currently considerable interest because of its importance in sustainable agriculture. Here, we synthesize the factors that make intercropping a sustainable means of food production by integrating biodiversity of natural ecosystems and crop diversity. In addition to well-known yield increases, intercropping can also increase yield stability over the long term and increase systemic resistance to plant diseases, pests and other unfavorable factors (e.g. nutrient deficiencies). The efficient use of resources can save mineral fertilizer inputs, reduce environmental pollution risks and greenhouse gas emissions caused by agriculture, thus mitigating global climate change. Intercropping potentially increases above- and below-ground biodiversity of various taxa at field scale, consequently it enhances ecosystem services. Complementarity and selection effects allow a better understanding the mechanisms behind enhanced ecosystem functioning. The development of mechanization is essential for large-scale application of intercropping. Agroecosystem multifunctionality and soil health should be priority topics in future research on intercropping.

Keywords agroecosystems crop diversity intercropping interspecific interactions sustainable agriculture

Corresponding Author(s): Long LI

Just Accepted Date: 12 May 2021 Online First Date: 08 June 2021 Issue Date: 26 September 2021

Cite this article:

Hao YANG,Weiping ZHANG,Long LI. INTERCROPPING: FEED MORE PEOPLE AND BUILD MORE SUSTAINABLE AGROECOSYSTEMS[J]. Front. Agr. Sci. Eng. , 2021, 8(3): 373-386.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fase/EN/10.15302/J-FASE-2021398
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fase/EN/Y2021/V8/I3/373

Tab.1 Distribution and land equivalent ratio (LER) of the main intercropping systems of selected countries

Fig.1 Crop diversity and the coexistence of multiple species have been used as an example of improved agroecosystem functions. Compared to monocultures, intercropping increased the productivity and yield stability, reduced agrochemical inputs and thus the environmental costs (greenhouse gas emissions, water and soil pollution), and increasing insect diversity improved crop pollination and reduced plant diseases. Intercropping increases soil fertility in terms of chemical, biological and physical properties.

Fig.2 The mechanisms of complementarity effects and selection effects driving overyielding in intercropping.

Fig.3 Interspecific facilitation and niche differentiation increase resource use efficiency. (a) Differences in plant height and light requirement increase light interception and use efficiency. (b) Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) of legumes reduces the nitrogen fertilizer input. (c) Root exudates of legumes increase the uptake of insoluble nutrients. (d) Root exudates from maize enhance faba bean nodulation and increase dinitrogen fixation. (e) Nitrogen transfer through root exudation, root decomposition and mycorrhizal fungal networks. (f) Differences in root distribution result in spatial complementarity.

Fig.4 Intercropping provides an alternative way to ensure food security and develop sustainable agriculture.

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