Legume Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.6, 270-278 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 270 Review and Progress Open Access Analysis on the Application of Intercropping in the Efficient Land Utilization of Leguminous Crops Weichang Wu Biotechnology Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding email: weichang.wu@cuixi.org Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2025 Vol.16, No.6 doi: 10.5376/lgg.2025.16.0027 Received: 20 Sep., 2025 Accepted: 31 Oct., 2025 Published: 21 Nov., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Wu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wu W.C., 2025, Analysis on the application of intercropping in the efficient land utilization of leguminous crops, Legume Genomics and Genetics, 16(6): 270-278 (doi: 10.5376/lgg.2025.16.0027) Abstract Intercropping is a key practice in sustainable agriculture, which aims to improve productivity and ecological balance by growing multiple crops in the same field. This study focuses on the integration of legumes in intercropping systems to improve land use efficiency. The theoretical basis of intercropping is systematically analyzed, emphasizing resource complementarity, niche differentiation and ecological intensification. Legume-based intercropping practice strategies, such as strip intercropping, relay intercropping and mixed intercropping, are further explored, and the agronomic, environmental and economic benefits of these strategies are evaluated. The practical applications and results are illustrated with case studies from East Africa, China and India. Despite the recognized advantages of intercropping, challenges such as labor complexity, mechanization limitations and knowledge gaps remain significant factors restricting its development. This study concludes that the integration of legumes through tailored intercropping methods can not only improve land productivity and soil health, but also contribute to sustainable intensification. Future development should focus on integrating precision agriculture, cultivating suitable varieties and strengthening policy support to scale up the application and improve its effectiveness. Keywords Intercropping; Leguminous crops; Land-use efficiency; Ecological intensification; Sustainable agriculture 1 Introduction Intercropping is the practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same field. This approach makes better use of land and resources and can also increase crop yields. This practice is particularly useful in agricultural systems with low inputs. Through intercropping, land use is more efficient, harvests are more stable, and less pesticides and fertilizers can be used, which helps make agriculture more sustainable and contributes to global food security (Zhang et al., 2020; Roberts et al., 2021). Intercropping can also increase the variety of organisms in the field and reduce harm to the environment, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving soil (Pelzer et al., 2020; Diacono et al., 2021). Legumes are very important in agriculture. They have a special ability to cooperate with bacteria in the soil to "transform" nitrogen in the air into nutrients that plants can use, so that less fertilizer is needed (Carlsson et al., 2020; Cao et al., 2024). Planting legumes in intercropping systems can make the soil more fertile, increase organic matter, and improve nutrient cycling, which is good for legumes and crops grown with them (Watson et al., 2024; Zhang et al., 2025). Legumes can also help suppress weeds, promote the growth of other crops, and make the planting system more resilient to risks, so they are very valuable in sustainable agriculture (Rajendran et al., 2022). This study mainly wants to understand the role of intercropping technology in improving land use efficiency, focusing on the application of legumes. We will combine the current research results to look at the agronomic, ecological and economic benefits of legume intercropping systems, analyze its impact on soil health and yield, and discuss its potential to reduce inputs and improve sustainability under different agricultural conditions. Finally, we will also point out some current problems and unresolved research gaps, hoping to provide reference for the future development and promotion of legume intercropping.
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