Must sowing density of intercropping be half of the two sole crops density for providing good performance? (ReMIX Practice abstract)

Abstract

Outcome: According to some given abiotic and biotic factors and general rules, farmers can create and evaluate the matching OSD for their fields. Practical recommendations: • OSD is influenced by different factors such as soil, vegetation period/climate conditions, choice of species and cultivars, organic vs. conventional system, weeds/pests/diseases control, technical equipment and type of intercropping. • Proportion in yield can vary largely from sowing proportion. Total yield should be higher than the average of sole crops. In a cereal-legume-intercropping, legumes are responsible for a high protein content and cereals have a high plasticity for tillering/compensation. They suppress weeds but also tend to suppress their mixture partner. For central Europe, 80 % of sole crop sowing rate of legumes and 40 % of cereals can be used as a first start (Dierauer et al., 2017). Practical testing/ Farmers’ experiences: Farmers should try out the optimal mixture ratio. Start a small-scale trial with different sowing densities. Replicate more than one year