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[Structure and function of several intercropping ecosystems in newly built orchard]
Fuping Zeng1, Kelin Wang, Lin Li
1Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Scences, Changsha 410125, China.
Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao = the Journal of Applied Ecology
|August 19, 2003
Summary
Intercropping on sloping wildlands significantly improves soil health and conserves water. The peanut and autumn soybean model offers the best soil and water benefits, alongside high productivity.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Ecology
Background:
- Sloping wildlands represent a significant, underutilized land resource, particularly in China.
- Developing sustainable agricultural practices for these areas is crucial for land resource optimization.
- Intercropping presents a promising strategy for enhancing the ecological and economic functions of sloping lands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the structures and functions of five optimized intercropping models on uncultivated sloping fields.
- To evaluate the impact of these models on soil properties, soil and water conservation, biomass production, and energy efficiency.
- To identify the most effective intercropping patterns for sustainable agriculture on sloping lands.
Main Methods:
- Selection and analysis of five optimized intercropping models from over ten initial patterns.
- Measurement of soil organic matter, total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content.
- Assessment of soil erosion module, runoff amount, biomass yield, annual productivity, and energy input efficiency.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in soil organic matter (5-20%), total N (7-40%), total P (8-70%), and total K (15-80%) were observed annually.
- Average reductions in soil erosion module (22.40-44.19%) and runoff amount (9.28-38.24%) were achieved across the models.
- The cayenne and tomato model yielded the highest biomass (100,267 kg.hm⁻²), while peanut and autumn soybean showed the highest productivity (15,619 kg.hm⁻²).
Conclusions:
- Intercropping on sloping wildlands effectively enhances soil fertility and provides substantial soil and water conservation benefits.
- The intercropping model of peanut and autumn soybean is recommended as the best overall for soil and water conservation and productivity.
- Other evaluated models, including cayenne and tomato, also demonstrate significant potential for biomass production and energy efficiency.
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