SCOOP: Developing intercropping systems with camelina to increase the yield and quality parameters of local underutilized crops

Summary

SCOOP intercropping trials have been carried in four countries (Italy, Poland, Turkey and Bulgaria) across two to three growing seasons, either in autumn and spring sowing, according to specific local needs. Camelina has been grown with different underutilized crops, such as pulses, spices, and minor cereals, as identified within the interaction with local farmers carried out in WP1, living lab activities. In particular, in Italy camelina has been grown with pea, lentil, chickpea, naked oat; in Poland camelina has been grown with flax, pea, red lentil and spelt; in Turkey camelina has been grown with fenugreek, coriander and buckwheat; and in Bulgaria camelina has been grown with pea and vetch. All trials have been carried out in certified organic fields, and arranged in small plots adopting a randomized experimental design. The presented results are the first available for camelina intercropping systems with underutilized crops across different locations and obtained in multi-year field trials. Camelina and companion crops were able to provide satisfactory yield and the intercropping systems provided more stable yields across locations and years, compared to the respective sole-crop, confirming the great potential for these types of cropping systems under organic farming.