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

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.