Intercropping to improve the nutritional quality of wheat under low-input conditions - IntercropVALUES Practice Abstract

Abstract

Intercropping pea significantly increased the grain protein concentration of bread wheat compared to their sole crops. Cereal-legume intercropping elevates the nutritional density of wheat grain, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers while contributing to food and nutritional security. Practical recommendations • Seed bed preparation: the seed bed should not be too fine after cultivation. • Varieties: select cultivars (cereal and grain legume) with the same maturity time taking the local seed costs and availability on the market into account. • Sowing densities and machinery o Mix the seeds 75% grain legume and 25% cereal (compared to the standard crop density of both crops) in the seed tank, check that the mixture is homogenous, and sow with a conventional seeder. o Use the same ro