Ethiopia

more than 50 years ago (traditional)

Intercropping systems in Sodo Zuria of Waraza-Lasho kebele are characterized by relay intercropping. Under relay intercropping a second crop is planted alongside a growing crop, typically when it has reached its reproductive stage of growth. The practice enables efficient use of available space. In this kebele (lower administrative unit), field peas and haricot beans are commonly intercropped within maize. The seeds of these legumes are either sown in no particular pattern, or simply broadcast, under the main crop, maize. They are planted when the maize comes close to physiological maturity. Intercropping of cereals with legumes improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation: this system extracts fewer nutrients from the soil than do monocrops. The practice also avoid risks of crop failure, improves effective use of available land, generates additional income and ensures food and nutrition security of the family farmers. Making the right choices about crops and timing of relay planting is crucial. Furthermore, good intercropping demands improved varieties of cereals and legumes. Adequate and timely labour is required also. Conventionally, the farmers till the land up to five times before planting the main crop. In relay intercropping further more land cultivation is essential to plant the companion crop. Various researchers have reported considerably higher yields from intercropping compared with a pure stand. This can be measured through the “land equivalent ratio” which describes the relative land area required under sole cropping to produce the same yield as under intercropping. Intercropping has been regarded by many farmers as a technique that reduces risk in crop production. It improves carbon sequestration since it enhances biomass accumulation both above and below the surface of the soil. Intercropping is also a form of climate change adaptation strategy as it spreads risks and allows opportunistic use of extra moisture. However, relay intercropping can subject the land to compaction because the companion crops demand extra field operations. These include harvesting the main crops, or sometimes stripping the leaves to reduce the shading effects for the low growing companion crops. There is also extra labour required for weeding and harvesting of the intercrop.

31 Jan 2023

EN

WOCAT

Management

Cropland

Species mixtures, Intercropping

Soil protection and rehabilitation for food security (ProSo(i)l)