Assessing the Efficacy of Wheat-Soybean Based Intercropping System at Different Plant Densities in Bambili, Cameroon

Wheat is one of the most important cereals in the world, serving as a staple for millions globally. In the wake of the geopolitical crisis between Russia and Ukraine, it has become incumbent for many countries to invest in wheat production. Improving cropping systems for wheat production is paramount. Intercropping cereals with legumes has tremendous advantages. Therefore, this study was designed to optimize wheat production by intercropping it with soybean at different densities. Between March and August 2023, a randomized complete block design trial was conducted in Bambili, North West of Cameroon with treatments T1 (wheat monocrop at 200,000 plants ha−1), T2 (soybean monocrop at 250,000 plants ha−1), T3 (200,000 wheat and 125,000 soybean ha−1), T4 (100,000 wheat and 250,000 soybean ha−1), T5 (200,000 wheat and 250,000 soybean ha−1) and T6 (100,000 wheat and 125,000 soybean ha−1). Results revealed that growth parameters of wheat were not significantly influenced by monocrop or intercrop. The yield of wheat was significantly higher in the monocrop than the intercrop treatments, with slight variation amongst the intercrop treatments. Soybean yield was higher in the monocrop than in the intercrop, with no variations amongst the intercrop treatments. Only the land equivalence ratio (LER) for T5 was greater than 1.0. The competitive ratio for T5 was 0.54 for wheat and 1.90 for soybean, comparatively lower than the other monocrop treatments. Intercropping wheat and soybean at 200,000:250,000 ratio is recommended.

Soybean maize strip intercropping:A solution for maintaining food security in China

The practice of intercropping leguminous and gramineous crops is used for promoting sustainable agriculture,optimizing resource utilization,enhancing biodiversity,and reducing reliance on petroleum products.However,promoting conventional intercropping strategies in modern agriculture can prove challenging.The innovative technology of soybean maize strip intercropping(SMSI)has been proposed as a solution.This system has produced remarkable results in improving domestic soybean and maize production for both food security and sustainable agriculture.In this article,we provide an overview of SMSI and explain how it differs from traditional intercropping.We also discuss the core principles that foster higher yields and the prospects for its future development.

Alternate cotton-peanut intercropping:a new approach to increasing productivity and minimizing environmental impact

Recent publications have highlighted the development of an alternate cotton-peanut intercropping as a novel strat-egy to enhance agricultural productivity.In this article,we provide an overview of the progress made in the alternate cotton-peanut intercropping,specifically focusing on its yield benefits,environmental impacts,and the underlying mechanisms.In addition,we advocate for future investigations into the selection or development of appropriate crop varieties and agricultural equipment,pest management options,and the mechanisms of root-canopy interactions.This review is intended to provide a valuable reference for understanding and adopting an alternate intercropping system for sustainable cotton production.

Legume Green Manure and Intercropping for High Biomass Sorghum Production

Before the advent of cheap, synthetic fertilizers, legumes were commonly used as green manure crops for their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen (N). A three-year study at Overton, TX examined legume integration into high-biomass sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) production systems on a Lilbert loamy fine sand recently cultivated after a fertilized bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] pasture. In this split-split plot design, ‘Dixie’ crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) and ‘Iron and Clay’ cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) were integrated into a high-biomass sorghum production system to evaluate impacts on N concentration, C concentration, and yield of high-biomass sorghum and their impacts on soil total N and soil organic carbon (SOC). Main plots were split into crimson clover green manure (CLGM) and winter fallow (FALL) followed by three sub-plots split into warm-season crop rotations: cowpea green manure (CPGM), cowpea-sorghum intercrop (CPSR), and sorghum monocrop (SORG). Three N fertilizer treatments (0, 45, 90 kg N∙ha−1) were randomized and applied as sub-sub plots. The CLGM increased (P sorghum biomass yield (16.5 t DM∙ha−1) 28% in year three but had no effect in the first two years. The CPSR treatment reduced sorghum yield up to 62% compared to SORG;whereas CPGM increased sorghum yield 56% and 18% the two years following cowpea incorporation. Rate of N fertilizer had no effect on sorghum biomass yield. Decrease in SOC and soil N over time indicated mineralization of organic N and may explain why no N fertilizer response was observed in sorghum biomass yield. Cowpea showed strong potential as a green manure crop but proved to be too competitive for successful intercropping in high-biomass sorghum production systems.

Sugarcane/soybean intercropping with reduced nitrogen addition enhances residue-derived labile soil organic carbon and microbial network complexity in the soil during straw decomposition

Sugarcane/soybean intercropping with reduced nitrogen addition is an important sustainable agricultural pattern that can alter soil ecological functions,thereby affecting straw decomposition in the soil.However,the mechanisms underlying changes in soil organic carbon(SOC)composition and microbial communities during straw decomposition under long-term intercropping with reduced nitrogen addition remain unclear.In this study,we conducted an in-situ microplot incubation experiment with^(13)C-labeled soybean straw residue addition in a two-factor(cropping pattern:sugarcane monoculture(MS)and sugarcane/soybean intercropping(SB);nitrogen addition levels:reduced nitrogen addition(N1)and conventional nitrogen addition(N2))long-term experimental field plot.The results showed that the SBN1 treatment significantly increased the residual particulate organic carbon(POC)and residual microbial biomass carbon(MBC)contents during straw decomposition,and the straw carbon in soil was mainly conserved as POC.Straw addition changed the structure and reduced the diversity of the soil microbial community,but microbial diversity gradually recovered with decomposition time.During straw decomposition,the intercropping pattern significantly increased the relative abundances of Firmicutes and Ascomycota.In addition,straw addition reduced microbial network complexity in the sugarcane/soybean intercropping pattern but increased it in the sugarcane monoculture pattern.Nevertheless,microbial network complexity remained higher in the SBN1 treatment than in the MSN1 treatment.In general,the SBN1 treatment significantly increased the diversity of microbial communities and the relative abundance of microorganisms associated with organic matter decomposition,and the changes in microbial communities were mainly driven by the residual labile SOC fractions.These findings suggest that more straw carbon can be sequestered in the soil under sugarcane/soybean intercropping with reduced nitrogen addition to maintain microbial diversity and contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture.

Several Cotton Rotation and Intercropping Systems in Cotton Planting Area of Eastern Henan Province

In recent years,the area dedicated to cotton cultivation in eastern Henan Province has experienced a continuous decline.Developing efficient multi-cropping systems for cotton and increasing the multiple cropping index represent effective strategies to stabilize the cotton planting area and enhance the income of cotton farmers.This paper presents an overview of intercropping systems and the benefits associated with cotton rotation and intercropping practices.Specifically,it discusses the"early maturing cotton-wheat"rotation system,the"cotton-watermelon"intercropping system,the"cotton-Dutch bean"intercropping system,and the"early maturing cotton-peanut-garlic"intercropping system.

Assessment of Nitrogen Fixation, Uptake, and Leaching in Maize/Soybean Intercropping System at Varied Soil Depths and under Phosphorus Application in Chinese Agricultural Settings

The study of Nitrogen fixation, uptake, and leaching at different soil depths in the co-cultivation of maize and soybean under phosphorus fertilization is important for sustainable agriculture. This study was conducted in Quzhou, Hebei Province, China, with MC812 maize and Jidou12 soybean varieties. Soil samples were taken from each plot to create a composite sample. The results show that nitrogen concentration varies at different depths and is higher in all treatments between 40 and 100 cm. Incorporating intercropping of maize and soybeans into farming practices can lead to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture in China.

Effect of Intercropping and Nitrogen Regulation on Nitrate and Apparent Loss of Nitrogen in Soil

[Objective] The aim was to investigate effect of intercropping and nitrogen regulation on nitrate and apparent loss of nitrogen, providing theoretical references for reasonable fertilization and pollution reduction. [Method] In the research, deeprooted eggplants and shallow-rooted scallions were intercropped with nitrogen regulat- ed to study on effect of the cropping system on temporal and spatial changes of ni- trate nitrogen and apparent loss of nitrogen. [Result] When the fertilizers were re- duced, contents of nitrate were less in intercropped field than that in mono-cropped one, indicating that eluviation of nitrate would be blocked and nitrate accumulation would be lowered effectively by intercropped eggplants and scallions. With intercrop- ping adopted, the reduced fertilizers would lower nitrate content in soil, deep soil in particular, and nitrate was significantly lower than that fertilized with conventional quantity during vegetable growth period. In addition, nitrate accumulation in soil profiles was also significantly shorter in field applied with reduced fertilizers than that with conventional one. It was shown that intercropping and fertilizer reduction would both cut apparent loss of nitrate down in varying degrees. [Conclusion] The research lays basis for high production of vegetables, reasonable fertilization and pollution reduction.

Influence of Fruit Tree Types and Arrangements on Yield, Quality and Economic Returns of Cotton of Intercropping System in Southern Xinjiang

[Objective] The aim was to provide a theoretical basis for stable and highly effective intercropping arrangements and scientific management measures by selecting apple, pear, peach, apricot, walnut, jujube and other fruit trees to study their influence on yield, fiber quality and economic returns of intercropped cotton in southern Xinjiang. [Method] Based on major cropping pattern in production, randomized block design was adopted to explore growth indicators, canopy micrometeorological indicators, yield and fiber quality in key growth stage. [Result] Shading has a significant effect on cotton canopy micro-environment and canopy diameter is proportional to shading effect. According to comparisons of the same tree type, the change of canopy micro-environment was as follows： under canopyouter canopymiddle points and peachpearapplewalnutjujube for comparisons among different tree types. Canopy diameter is directly proportional to the number of tree branch and boll weight reductions and shading is the main cause of yield reduction. The canopy expansion is the major cause of decline of light intensity, temperature and humidity of cotton canopy. [Conclusion] Fruit trees, which will promote cotton yield,quality and canopy-environment, are as follows： jujube walnut apple pear peach trees. In practice, trees, which are small in canopy or well trimmed, are popular in production, such as jujube trees, to improve cotton yield and fiber quality.

Highly-efficient Intercropping Mode and Selection of Suitable Peanut Varieties in Maize and Peanut Intercropping Systems

[Objective] The aim was to explore efficient maize and peanut intercrop-ping mode and select suitable peanut varieties of the mode in Yungui Plateau. [Method] In the test, 6 cropping methods were set by randomized block design. Yields and economic benefits were measured in mature stage with Excelland DPS. [Result] Compared with monoculture, maize and peanut intercropping systems took advantages and LER values were proved higher than 1. In the intercropping system with maize and Yun peanut No.3 at 2∶2, in particular, the value of LER was 1.40 and compound yield reached 9 036 kg/hm2; the net output values of maize kernel and fresh/dry peanut pod increased by 182.63% and 140.59%, compared with maize by monoculture. In addition, the output values of Yun peanut No.3 by monoculture and intercropping system increased by 5 069 and 3 272 yuan/hm2, respectively, than Yanshan conventional peanut varieties. [Conclusion] The efficient intercropping system with maize and peanut mode at 2∶2 mode in Yungui plateau and the Yun peanut No.3 exhibited higher yield and economic benefit advantages, compared with Yanshan conventional planting peanut varieties.

Effects of Different Intercropping Modes on Growth, Yields and Economic Benefit of Cassava and Peanut in Symbiotic Period

[Objective] This study was conducted to investigate effects of different intercropping modes on growth, yields and economic benefit of cassava and peanut in symbiotic period. [Method] With sole cropping of cassava （M1） and sole cropping of peanut （M2） as control groups, effects of intercropping of cassava with 1 row, 2 rows and 3 rows of peanut （M3, M4 and M5）on crop growth, yields and economic benefit were studied. [Result] Intercropping affected both growth and yields of cassava and peanut. Growth competition existed between cassava and peanut, and plant heights of cassava and peanut changed similarly. In late stages of intercropping, treatments M1, M2 and M5 showed higher plant heights under no nitrogen application, while treatment M3 and M4 exhibited higher plant heights under nitrogen application; intercropping improved leaf temperature, but no obvious law could be observed among different intercropping treatments; and intercropping improved total dry matter amount, which was the highest in M5 in root expanding stage and on the 30th day of the expanding stage, and the highest in M4 on the 60th day of the expanding stage. Intercropping reduced the yield of single plant, but improved the economic benefit of red upland soil; and under no nitrogen application and nitrogen application, cassava yields decreased by 25.35% and 14.55%, respectively, peanut yields decreased by 28.76% and 52.60%, respectively, while economic benefit increased by 72.90% and 56.82%, respectively. [Conclusion] Compared with sole cropping, interplanting cassava with 1 row, 2 rows or 3 rows of peanut could all improve economic benefit, and the economic benefit increased with number of rows of interplanted peanut increasing.

Research on Efficiency Improving Technology for Intercropping Sesame (Sesamum indicum) and Peanut (Arachis hypogaea)

[Objective] The research aimed to establish a optimized combination of intercropping and fertilization application technology of intercropping sesame （Sesamum indicum） and peanut（Arachis hypogaea）. [Method] Double factor randomized block design （2 fertilization methods and 5 ratios） was adopted, with 10 treatments, 3 repeats. There were a total of 30 plots, with plot area of 12.0 m2. Two fertilization methods included C1 [base fertilizer （540 g/plot compound fertilizer ＋ topdressing （90 g urea）] and C2 [all as base fertilizer （540 g/plot compound fertilizer）]. Five different proportions （sesame： peanut） were M1（2∶4）, M2（2∶6）, M3（1∶4）, monoculture sesame （CK1） and monoculture peanut （CK2）, respectively. [Result] Output value and land equivalent ratio （LER） of C1M2 treatment （6 lines peanut/2 lines sesame, base fertilizer 540 g/plot （compound fertilizer） ＋ （topdressing urea 90 g） were the highest of 22 378.68 yuan/hm2 and 1.56 respectively; sesame yield was 641.64 kg/hm2 and peanut yield was 2 506.67 kg/hm2. Output-input ratio was 4.94. The income was increased by 32.32% and 95.97% compared with only planting of peanuts and sesame. [Conclusion] The study provided a theoretical basis for finding the best intercropping combinations of sesame and peanut and rational application fertilizations.

Greenhouse Intercropping of Green Asparagus(Asparagus officinalis Linn) and Coriander(Coriandrum sativum L.)

Greenhouse cultivation in northern China has the characteristic of single mode, and the intercropping mode is not common. Greenhouse intercropping of green asparagus （Asparagus officinalis Linn） and coriander （Coriandrum sativurn L.） not only could increase vegetable kinds, but also could improve cropping index, and the asparagus growers＇ income could also be improved. This paper introduced the intercropping technique of green asparagus and coriander, so as to provide technical support for large-area extension of greenhouse green asparagus cultivation and break the situation of single mode for .qreenhouse cultivation.

Analysis on Waxy Corn/Soybean Intercropping Pattern and Economic Benefit

The research mainly analyzed effects of waxy corn/soybean intercropping on yields of the two crops, as well as agronomic characters, and the economic benefits of the mode. The results showed that although yields of waxy corn and soybean went down by 21.19% and 31.04% per unit area, land equivalent ratio（1.48） kept higher than 1, suggesting the intercropping improves land use rate. Besides, due to the practice of intercropping, many characters of waxy corn grew, but of soybean declined. The economic benefits from high to low were waxy corn/soybean intercropping, monoculture of waxy corn, and monoculture of soybean.

Effects of Sowing Rate on Marginal Superiority and Yield of Wheat in Wheat-cotton Intercropping System

In the wheat-cotton intercropping system, total 6 sowing rates （187.5, 225.0, 262.5, 300.0, 337.5 and 375.0 kg/hm2） were arranged, and the effects of sowing rate on marginal superiority and yield of wheat were investigated. The re- sults showed that the effect of sowing rate on inner-line wheat was greater than that on side-line wheat; with the increased sowing rate, the marginal superiority of panicle number was reduced in overall, and the difference in panicle number be- tween inner and side lines was decreased from 9.0×10^5/hm2 （sowing rate of 187.5 kg/hm2） to 7.8×10^5/hm2 （sowing rate of 375.0 kg/hm2）; the marginal superiority of grains per spike was increased first and then reduced, and the largest difference in grains per spike between the inner and side lines reached 4.6 under the sowing rate of 300.0 kg/hm2; the marginal superiority of 1 000-grain weight and yield was gradually increased, and the largest difference in 1 000-grain weight between the inner and side lines reached 3.9 g under the sowing rate of 337.5 kg/hm2, and in yield reached 3 136.5 kg/hm2under the sowing rate of 375.0 kg/hm2. The effects of sowing rate on the three yield factors of intercropped wheat ranked as panicle number 〉 grains per spike 〉 1 000-grain weight. The appropriate sowing rate of wheat was 225.0-262.0 kg/hm2 in the wheat-cotton intercropping system.

Analysis on Marginal Superiority and Yield of Different Wheat Varieties in Wheat-cotton Intercropping System

In wheat-cotton intercropping system,the spike number per unit area,grains per spike,thousand-grain weight and yield of side line and inner line were investigated in six wheat varieties to study the marginal superiority and select suitable wheat varieties intercropped with cotton.The results showed that Xingmai No.4had obvious marginal superiority with the yield of 6 919.0 kg/hm2,so it was the suitable variety for wheat-cotton intercropping system.

Influence of Different Irrigation Models and Amounts on Jujube under Jujube-cotton intercropping

[Objective] The aim was to explore the differences of jujube growth by intercropping with cotton and mono-cropping and to research effects of three irrigation models and quantity on jujube. [Method] The field experiment with three factors and two levels were applied for the study in order to research the effect of all treatments with the yield, quality, bearing branch, flower, fruit diameter of jujube. [Result]With different irrigation patterns, the result of comparing the length of bearing branch was drip irrigation furrow irrigation micro spray, and the result of comparing the number of bearing branch, the bud number, the flower number, fruit diameter was the same, as follows： drip irrigation microjet irrigation furrow irrigation; the result of comparing the yield was drip irrigation furrow irrigation microjet irrigation with significant differences. With different irrigation quantities, high irrigation water quantity treatment was proved higher than low irrigation quantity treatment in every survey index. [Conclusion] The analysis indicates that drip irrigation, microjet irrigation and furrow irrigation increased the irrigation water quantity can significantly promote the growth and the yield of jujube and the effects of the three kinds of irrigation patterns are drip irrigation furrow irrigation microjet irrigation.

Effects of N,P and K Amounts on Yield Traits of Wheat in Wheat-cotton Intercropping System

[Objective] This study was conducted to investigate the demands for N, P and K by wheat in wheat cotton intercropping system in high-fertility field of Hebei Province. [Method] The experiment adopted randomized block arrangement. Five treatments （0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 kg/hm2） were designed for N, P and K. Wheat tillering, ear number, yield and yield components were investigated. [Result] Wheat yield increased significantly with the application of N fertilizer. The number of ears per unit area, number of grains per ear, 1 000-grain weight and yield were im- proved with N increasing. P fertilizer improved wheat yield at a certain degree, but K had no effect on wheat yield. ]Conclusion] The optimum fertilization for wheat-cot- ton intercropping system was N at 225-300 kg/hm2 and P2Os at 150 kg/hm2; and there is no need to apply K.

Selection of Cotton Variety Suitable for Cottonwheat Intercropping in Rainy and Poor Sunshine Years

The year of 2013 is a typical rainy and poor sunshine year, and the monthly sunshine hours from May to October were all lower than the average, which from July to September was only 69.3%,71.1% and 56.2% of average, respectively. In cotton-wheat system 10 cotton varieties （lines） were planted to select the most suitable varieties for cotton-wheat system in rainy and poor sunshine years through investigating cotton growing traits in 2013. The results showed that in cotton-wheat system the vegetative growth of cotton was mainly from late June to middle July especially in rainy and poor sunshine years. And with the increase of the cotton growth period the peak of vegetative growth delayed, the ratio of the autumn bolls increased, and the ratio of pre-frost yield decreased. In all the varieties unginned cottonyield of Zhongmiansuo 50 with shorter growth period, higher rate of summer bolls and better fiber quality, seed yield reached 3 814.1 kg/hm2, higher than that of other varieties （lines） significantly, and the rate of pre-frost yield reached 83.4%, which was the most suitable variety for cotton-wheat system in rainy and poor sunshine years.

Study on Yield Potential of Autumn Potato/Rapeseed Intercropping System in Rice Field

In order to expIore the yield potential, regional adaptabiIity and key cuItiva-tion techniques of autumn potato/rapeseed intercropping system, and analyze its benefit performance and popuIarization value, the contrast experiments of Iarge re-gion were conducted in Yongchuan and Kalxian of Chongqing city from 2011 to 2012. The resuIts showed that the benefit increasing effect was significant because autumn potato/rapeseed intercropping patterns couId galn more one season potato in rice-rapeseed rotation area. The average yield of autumn potato and rapeseed in two test points were 13 567.35 and 2 663.25 kg/hm2 respectiveIy, and the total out-put value and net income reached to 38 773.05 yuan/hm2 and 15 772.5 yuan/hm2 respectiveIy, and cash income attalned 38 773.05 yuan/hm2, and net income reached 23 000.55 yuan/hm2, and the increased income was 17 221.8 yuan/hm2 and it increased by 310.3% comparing with rapeseed of soIe cropping. Therefore, the autumn potato/rapeseed intercropping in rice field is a new efficient cuItivation technique with very significant ecoIogical and economic benefit.