Organic maize/fava bean intercropping (#journal)

Effects of intercropping on yield, weed incidence, forage quality and soil residual N in organically grown forage maize (Zea maysL.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

This study investigated the effects of intercropping organically grown maize and faba bean in Sweden on yield, forage quality, soil mineral nitrogen (N) after harvest and weed incidence.  The land equivalent ratio was 1.10–1.21. The mean crude protein concentration  increased from 63 g kg⁻¹, in monocropped maize, to 107 g kg⁻¹, in intercropped maize. Intercropping had lower N balances compared with monocropped maize and reduced mineral N in the soil after harvest. Weed incidence was slightly reduced by intercropping. Intercropping can thus increase the sustainability of forage production.