Legume Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.6, 270-278 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 274 efficiency and help small farmers stabilize their livelihoods. For example, research in China has found that this strip intercropping, which is mainly maize, can improve technical efficiency and make more effective use of land (Heerink et al., 2019). Although intercropping may require more labor and resources, higher land utilization can offset this effect. The benefits of long-term intercropping are also obvious: not only can grain yields increase by an average of 22%, but the organic matter and total nitrogen content in the soil will also gradually increase (Wang et al., 2021). This shows that this method not only increases yields, but also makes the soil healthier and can bring long-term benefits. 6.2 Soybean-wheat strip intercropping in China: resource efficiency and yield synergy In China, intercropping soybeans and wheat in strips is a smarter way to use space. This method can improve resource utilization and yields (Figure 2). Data compiled by many studies show that the average land equivalent ratio (LER) of corn and soybean intercropping can reach 1.32, indicating that this method of planting is more land-saving than single planting and can also produce more (Zhang et al., 2020). Moreover, this combination uses less fertilizer under the premise of the same yield, with an average fertilizer nitrogen equivalent ratio (FNER) of 1.44, which means that the efficiency of fertilizer has been greatly improved. In addition, the time of crop sowing and harvesting is staggered, and the utilization rate of resources can continue to increase, and the overall output of the system will also increase. Figure 2 An aerial view of experimental plots at Baiyun Experiment Station in Wuwei city, Gansu province (a). The four intercropping combinations in the growing season (June), including faba bean/maize intercropping system, chickpea/maize intercropping system, oilseed rape/maize intercropping system, and soybean/maize intercropping system (b). Conceptual diagram of the main topic. We explored the way root traits affect productivity, shoot phosphorus (P) content and P-use efficiency indicators in intercropping with different P-application rates. We also link changes in productivity, shoot P content, and P-use efficiency indicators with sustainable P management in agroecosystems (c) (Adapted from Zhang et al., 2020) 6.3 Chickpea-mustard intercropping in India: drought resilience and economic benefits In India, many farmers like to grow chickpeas and mustard together. This combination is not only drought-resistant, but also brings better economic returns. Studies have shown that this intercropping method not only makes the yield more stable than monoculture, but also saves arable land. Data show that after intercropping, the total energy output can be increased by 38%, the income has also increased by 33%, and the area of land used can be reduced by 23% (Martin-Guay et al., 2018). These advantages are particularly evident in areas with more droughts. Diversified intercropping methods like this can alleviate the pressure brought by climate change, make better use of limited resources, and make the income of small farmers more secure.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==