Intercropping can offer many potential advantages over single stand cropping systems when applied in organic farming: it optimizes the management of resources, increases agricultural biodiversity, allows better weed control, preserves the fertility of the soil and helps to diversify the production of the farm.
In Italy, a network of seven organic farms practicing intercropping has been set up as a Co-Innovation Case Study for ecosystem functions and services through intercropping in organic agriculture (CICS #11). The CICS includes four farms in the Northern region of Lombardy and three in Central Italian regions, with productions intended for both human and zootechnical.
Picture above: extreme intercropping. Farmers are increasingly daring. 4 species in the same field. Sunflower, millet, linseed, and grass pea (Lathyrus sativus).
There are many examples in use on farms. They are often associated with autumn-winter crops such as wheat and peas or barley and clover. Some as spring-summer crops associations are interesting too, thus allowing you to get gluten-free products. Cases of coeliac disease are increasingly frequent, and gluten-free production requires a dedicated supply chain, separated from any contamination already from the field. Millet and cowbeans, flax and lentil, buckwheat, and lentils are crops that easily match as they have similar crop cycles and can be separated without difficulty. The grains, in fact, have very different sizes. Sowing takes place in late June. The two species are sown simultaneously, in narrow rows (12.5cm). The planting dose of legumes is about twice that of companion crops. The crops cover the soil quickly, thus avoiding the development of weeds (especially barnyard grass, Sorghum halepense, and Cuscuta). The weeding is no longer necessary, while a superficial stripping at the beginning of the vegetation may be useful.
Picture above: millet and cowpea
Picture above: millet and cowpea at harvesting
Legumes provide nitrogen to the companion crops, encouraging their development. Fertilization is not necessary. At first, legumes seem to take over, but in the rising phase, it is evident that it is not so. The vegetation of the legumes prevents the companion from enticing.
It’s important to choose varieties that have a similar maturation cycle, so you can harvest the two species together with a combined harvester. Usually, the harvest period is in the second half of September.
Separation is made after collection with a vibratory separator or a gravity separator. These are machines that are usually available on farms.
Picture above: millet and buckwheat
Within the framework of the IntercropVALUES project, exchange farm visits are promoted to enhance the shared knowledge and experiences between farmers. Dissemination activities are carried out during farms’ open days, to inform consumers and make them aware of the advantages of intercropping.
This news item was written by Daniela Ponzini (RSR, Italy)