Strip cropping –improving biodiversity and crop resilience in organic farming

Summary in the original language of the document

P250 Strip cropping, a type of intercropping, increases the diversity of crop species in the field. Crop diversification in the agroecosystem can potentially increase biodiversity of arthropods, and microorganisms above- and belowground, improve crop yields, and reduce pest and pathogen attacks. We here present a project that investigates the potential benefits of strip cropping under Danish conditions, by 1) design and implementation of optimal strip cropping fields, 2) functional and biological diversity of arthropods, with focus on pests and predators, 3) microbial diversity and pathogen damage, 4) agronomical aspects, such as crop rotation, tillage, weed control, and yield effects, and 5) development of practical implementation, and sustainability analyses. The strip crop fields were established in 2021, in rows with two levels of crop diversity: 3 m rows with wheat, sugar beet, barley, faba bean, rye, oat, pea, and quinoa, and 6 m rows with wheat, sugar beet, barley, and faba bean, in a block design of four repetitions. The arthropod assessments, with focus on arthropod diversity and aphid infestations in faba bean and barley, were conducted by visual observations and the use of trap methods (pitfall traps and pantraps). Preliminary data indicate an effect of row width, by a lower aphid infestation and an earlier presence of predators in 3 m strips compared to 6 m strips. This project contributes with practical as well as scientific knowledge for implementation of strip cropping to support biodiversity and agroecosystem resilience.