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Intercropping with Gramineous Plants in Nutrient Solutions as a Tool to Optimize the Use of Iron in Brassica oleracea
Teresa Saavedra1,2, Maribela Pestana1, João Costa3
1MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Science and Technology, Building 8, Universidade do Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
Abstract:
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of intercropping Brassica oleracea. with three perennial grasses (Poa pratensis L., Lolium perenne L., and Festuca rubra L.) under varying levels of iron (Fe) availability (Fe0, Fe1 and Fe5) in nutrient solutions. The research focused on biomass accumulation, photosynthetic efficiency, root development, nutrient uptake, and oxidative stress response. In the absence of Fe, Brassica sp. exhibited chlorosis, reduced biomass, and increased ferric chelate reductase (FCR) enzyme activity as an adaptive response. Brassica plants intercropped with Poa sp. maintained higher chlorophyll (Chl) levels and photosystem II efficiency (Fv/Fm values), mitigating Fe deficiency effects. Catalase activity and polyphenol production varied with intercropping species, indicating differential stress response mechanisms. Intercropping improved Zn, Mn, and P accumulation, with Poa sp. facilitating greater Zn and Mn uptake. Intercropping Brassica sp. with specific grass species offers potential agronomic benefits by improving Fe use efficiency, mitigating stress, and enhancing nutrient uptake. Future research should focus on optimizing intercropping combinations for sustainable agricultural practices.
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