Hello, my name is Benedikt Haug, and I am a researcher at the #PlantBreeding group of #WageningenUniversity. I will post here regularly on my work in breeding for biodiverse and resilient cropping systems, such as mixed cropping, strip cropping, agroforestry and agrivoltaics.

My main interests are in the role of the #PlantGenotype and its #Holobiont in...

#PlantBreeding #Agronomy #Agroecology #CropDiversification #Genetics #PlantPlantInteraction #PlantSoilInteraction #PlantMicrobiomeInteraction #NicheComplementarity #PlantCompetition #Facilitation #PlantCommunityEcology #RegenerativeAgriculture #OrganicAgriculture #MixedCropping #Intercropping #StripCropping #Agroforestry #Agrivoltaics

#JustOut A very nice first #openaccess paper of Illiana Kwenda, MPhil student at University of Zimbabwe 👏 !

Combining two years of on-farm experiments & modeling with the STICS soil-crop model, we showed that land productivity benefits of maize-cowpea #intercropping can be maintained in conditions of high water and nitrogen stress

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109890

Wheat & Soybean Team-Up: 🌾+🌱
Our new study shows:
✔️ #Intercropping saves land & increases protein yield
✔️ Earlier sowing can optimize yields
The results are based on field trials and model simulations under different climate scenarios.
Published in Field Crops Research – a fascinating step towards the future of agriculture! 🌍
🔗 Read more: https://www.zalf.de/en/aktuelles/Pages/FPD/Mischanbau-Modellierung.aspx
#SustainableFarming #Research #Intercropping #FutureAgriculture

Why stick to plain fields? 🌾🌱🌾🌱
Our field study in Eastern Brandenburg (2021–2023) provides initial insights: Strip cropping may support beneficial insects 🐞 and boost biodiversity. Read more:
https://www.zalf.de/en/aktuelles/Pages/PB2/Vielfalt_auf_dem_Feld.aspx
#Biodiversity #Agriculture #Research #Intercropping

Was passiert, wenn wir Kulturen in Streifen statt einzeln anbauen? 🌾🌱🌾🌱
Unsere Feldstudie in Ostbrandenburg (2021–2023) an Soja und Weizen zeigt: Streifenanbau könnte Nützlinge 🐞 fördern. Hier erfahrt ihr mehr:
https://www.zalf.de/de/aktuelles/Seiten/PB2/Vielfalt_auf_dem_Feld.aspx
#Nachhaltigkeit #Landwirtschaft #Biodiversität #Intercropping

Boost your garden’s productivity with intercropping! 🌱 Plant fast-growers like radishes or lettuce between slow-growers like broccoli or onions. You’ll harvest early crops while the bigger veggies take their time, making the most of your space and increasing yields. #GardeningTips #Intercropping

@botanyone

Nice study. And with prsctical relevance.
We really need #intercropping and multispecies cover-cropping get on the ground!

(And acknowledge that there are many wonderful examples of indigenous people managing their orchards way more advanced than anyone practicing #PrecisionAgriculture )

#SoilMicrobiology #SoilMicrobiome #SoilScience #Agriculture #ConservationAgriculture #SustainableAgriculture #OrganicAgriculture #CoverCrops #Intercropping #Biodiversity #Agroecology

New article! Our research shows that #intercropping diverse plant species can boost yield stability and support pollinators—a win-win for both farmers and biodiversity!
#SustainableFarming #Biodiversity #Pollinators #AgricultureResearch
Read more here:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167880924004134

Lami Jinatu Wamdeo has some promising data showing protective effects of legume intercropping on maize/fall armyworm, though little final effect on yield. #Ento24 #intercropping

The power of teamwork 💪🏻

Scientists are teasing out the benefits of #intercropping, but getting the right mix of plants is key: "monocultures enjoy less protection from herbivores than pairs or trios of crops, and those mixed plantings may therefore be more productive".

https://www.science.org/content/article/when-maize-screams-beans-listen-how-three-sisters-crop-trio-repels-pests?utm_source=press.coop

#monoculture #milpa #MixingCrops #CropMixing #maize #bean #squash #ReducePesticideUse #OrganicFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #Agriculture

Using a comparative meta-analysis, the effect of #intercropping and agri-environmental schemes (AES) on the abundance of #pest #herbivores and #beneficial arthropods was summarized. Under both systems the abundance of herbivores is reduced and that of beneficial insects increased. Article in the journal Agronomy for Sustainable Development by Maryam Yousefi and others - https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-024-00947-7

Promoting #intercropping in modern #agriculture can be challenging. #Soybean-maize strip-intercropping produced remarkable results #China in improving soybean & #maize production for both #foodsecurity & #sustainable agriculture: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jia.2024.02.001 #legumes #grains

I'm sure anyone interested in intercropping in Western Canada knows of Lana Shaw's research work. Her presentation focused on the the advantages such as reducing chemical and fertilizer inputs and how intercropping can mitigate certain risks. The challenges highlighted were the extra management skills, equipment adjustments and seed separation issues. In all a great overview of this farming practice. Our farm has been doing this for over a decade now. #intercropping #saskatchewan #Farming

At least 8 weeks before I can plant, but I’m looking forward to cultivating a maslin—a mixture of cereal species. They are all in the same family, unlike the mixture of species in a polyculture like corn + beans + squash.

My maslin will include multi-variety populations of wheat and barley, and I’ll undersow with red clover. No fertilizer, no irrigation. In time, the maslin should adapt to the local conditions and my growing style.

#agriculture #grains #maslin #intercropping #agroecology

Farmers Are Turning to an Ancient Practice to Improve Agriculture

https://venera.social/display/85a863ed-8965-7615-b7db-83a667570864

Speakers presented on #SoilHealth, #biodiversity & #SustainableAgriculture at #COP28. #LandDegradation, #soil organic matter & #nutrient mining are becoming issues. #Crop diversification, #agroforestry, #intercropping & crop rotation are proposed as solutions.

#Moringa + #Soybean #Intercropping?

Moringa+Soybean Intercropping Possible: YES
Yield Increase: YES
More oil per acre: YES
More Protein per acre: YES
More Expenditure: No

Soybean can be a companion crop with #MOMAX3 Moringa to yield more oil per acre in the same acreage providing additional revenue streams.

To know more about contact connect and consult with us

RT LEGUMINOSE Project
What are the impacts of different farming practices such as #intercropping on the environment, climate and agricultural productivity?
To find out, check out the Wiki created by @EU_ScienceHub and @EUAgri 👇
https://buff.ly/43aH9pr

🐦🔗: https://n.respublicae.eu/Leguminose_EU/status/1680834780873515010

One way to greatly reduce fossil energy input to conventional farming systems is through #intercropping . In this picture is a symbiotic crop mixture of peas and canola. After a decade of experience, my records show this system to have reduced my risks and increased profit margin over mono-cropping while eliminating need for fertilizer and eliminating or reducing other crop inputs. #ClimateChange #Farming

Super happy to see @parshipforpeas
second PhD paper out in Field Crops Research on #intercropping breeding for yield and yield stability!

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378429023001168