Intercropping grain-legumes and cereals for improved protein concentration in the cereal (ReMIX Practice Abstract)

Summary in the original language of the document

Outcome:
Mixed cropping systems achieve higher protein content of bread wheat, with no need to include nitrogen (N) fertilizers.
Practical recommendations:
- The seed bed should not be too fine-grained after cultivation.
- Test soil samples and amend P and K levels, if necessary.
- Select cultivars (wheat and grain legume) with the same maturity time according to local seed costs and market availability.
- Mix the seeds 70% grain legume and 30% wheat relative to the standard sowing quantities of the crops in the seed tank. Check that the mixture is homogenous and sow with a conventional seeder.
- Use the recommended row spacing of the cereal crop.
- Apply weed control as needed (organic or conventional).
- Adjust the height of the harvester to pick up grain legumes close to ground.
Practical testing/ Farmers’ experiences:
If this crop system seems suitable for you, we recommend that you test this under your conditions. Separate a part of your field before sowing and apply the mixture. Cultivate the rest of the field as usual and compare the intercrop to the pure stand cereals and/or legumes crops.