Cereal + legume intercropping: A sustainable approach for improving productivity and soil health
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Authors
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Kartik Sharma
ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834 003
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Jayanta Layek
ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834 003
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V.P. Bhadana
ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834 003
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Sujay B. Kademani
ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834 003
Keywords:
Biodiversity, Environmental sustainability, Resource conservation, Nitrogen fixationAbstract
Cereal + legume intercropping is a promising strategy for sustainable agricultural intensification, enabling efficient utilisation of water, nutrients, light and space while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers. Legume-based diversification through intercropping enhances biological N₂ fixation, soil fertility, biodiversity and agroecosystem resilience, while improving system productivity and resource-use efficiency. Appropriate selection of component crops, planting geometry, population ratio, and complementary resource-use patterns is essential to minimise interspecific competition and maximise intercropping benefits. Different intercropping arrangements, including row, strip, mixed and relay systems, along with additive and replacement series, provide flexible options for
enhancing productivity, resource conservation and environmental sustainability.
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