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Intercropping enhances soil carbon and nitrogen.

Wen-Feng Cong1, Ellis Hoffland, Long Li

  • 1College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University, Wageningen, 6700 AK, The Netherlands.

Global Change Biology
|September 13, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Intercropping systems significantly enhance soil carbon and nitrogen sequestration compared to sole cropping. This agricultural practice boosts soil organic matter and offers multiple agroecosystem benefits.

Keywords:
ecosystem servicesfunctional complementarityintercroppingplant diversityplant productivityroot biomasssoil carbonsoil nitrogen

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Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Soil Science
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Intercropping, cultivating multiple crops together, enhances aboveground yield through species complementarity.
  • The impact of intercropping on belowground productivity and long-term soil carbon sequestration remains less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of rotational strip intercropping on soil organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content over seven years.
  • To compare soil C and N sequestration rates between intercropping and sole cropping systems.
  • To explore the relationship between root biomass and soil C sequestration in intercropping systems.

Main Methods:

  • A seven-year field experiment comparing rotational strip intercropping with conventional crop rotations.
  • Measurement of soil organic C and N content in the top 20 cm.
  • Analysis of total root biomass and soil stable isotope signatures (δ(15)N).

Main Results:

  • Intercropping systems showed a 4% ± 1% increase in soil organic C and an 11% ± 1% increase in soil organic N compared to sole crops.
  • Soil C sequestration rates were 184 ± 86 kg C ha(-1) yr(-1) higher, and N sequestration rates were 45 ± 10 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1) higher in intercrops.
  • Total root biomass was 23% greater in intercrops, suggesting a mechanism for enhanced soil C sequestration.

Conclusions:

  • Rotational strip intercropping significantly enhances soil carbon and nitrogen sequestration.
  • Intercropping systems contribute to improved soil quality and offer comparable soil C sequestration potential to other recommended practices.
  • Intercropping provides multiple agroecosystem services, including increased yield and better soil health.