Published in Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy, Vol. LXVII, Issue 1
Written by Victor PETCU, Mihaela POPA, Laurențiu CIORNEI, Petruța Simona SIMION, Adela Sorinela SAFTA, Ioana Claudia TODIRICĂ, Andrei Tudor ZAHARIA
Cropping system diversification is a key factor in developing more sustainable crops and increase food security. A two-year field experiment was conducted at South-East part of Romania, to emphasize the right plant types, both legumes and non-legumes which can be used in intercropping system for organic agriculture. Intercropping pattern with two (Peas + Camelina; Peas + Flax; Peas + Oats; Flax + Oats; Spring Wheat + Camelina and Spring Wheat + Flax) and three species (Peas + Camelina + Spring Wheat; Peas + Flax + Spring wheat; Peas + Flax + Oats; Peas + Camelina + Oats) was used. Sole cropping of peas, camelina, flax, oats and spring wheat were also used. Two sowing rates were tested, at 50% and 100% of the recommended amount of seed. Results showed that averaged across years and intercropping patterns, yields were significantly more increased in mixtures crops compared to sole cropping ones. Through the land equalization ratio (LER) with values greater than 1, the mixtures of crops (of two or three species) that use environmental resources more efficiently and productively were identified.
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