A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
Sustainable Mixed Cropping Systems for the Boreal-Nemoral Region (2020)

Lizarazo, C. I., Tuulos, A., Jokela, V., & Mäkelä, P. S. A. (2020). Sustainable Mixed Cropping Systems for the Boreal-Nemoral Region. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 4, Article 103. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.00103

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Lizarazo, Clara I.; Tuulos, Antti; Jokela, Venla; Mäkelä, Pirjo S. A.

Journal or series: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

eISSN: 2571-581X

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 4

Article number: 103

Publisher: Frontiers Media

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.00103

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/71562

Abstract

Mixed cropping, including intercropping, is the oldest form of systemized agricultural production and involves the growing of two or more species or cultivars of the same species simultaneously in the same field. However, mixed cropping has been little by little replaced by sole crop systems, especially in developed countries. Some of the advantages of mixed cropping are, for example, resource use efficiency and yield stability, but there are also several challenges, such as weed management and competition. The boreal-nemoral region lies within the region 55 to 70°N. In this area, for example in Finland, the length of the thermal growing season varies from >105 to over 185 days. Typically, variation between locations and years is marked. However, during the year, there can be a wide range of temperature extremes between −70 and +30°C. The majority of cropping systems in this region are usually monocultures, except for forage grass mixtures. The possibility of having several crops in a mixture is very challenging in the region due to the short growing season and extreme cold temperatures, meaning that crop earliness and overwintering capacity are a considerable restriction for year-round mixed cropping. A further restriction is the quality requirements set by the industry. Our review will explore a range of mixed cropping possibilities for the boreal-nemoral region, including different possible combinations of spring, winter, perennial, biennial, catch, and cover crops. The reviewed mixed cropping systems could considerably improve the sustainability and efficiency of crop production.

Keywords: sustainable agriculture; cultivation methods; intercropping; relay intercropping; rotational cropping; nitrogen fixation; boreal zone

Free keywords: catch crops; cover crops; double cropping; intercropping; nitrogen management; relay cropping

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 1