Potential of yield differential compensation between pure stands and intercrops of hull-less-barley and oat with pea

Abstract

Traditional farming practices, focussing on cultivating single crops have detrimental effects such as high input of agrochemicals, soil erosion, and the development of pesticide-resistant pests. Furthermore, the use and production of nitrogen fertilisers in such systems can lead to the release of CO, contributing to climate change. Hence, agroecosystems that combine robust crop yields with reduced resource inputs are needed and there is a rising interest in cereal-legume intercropping. However, challenges remain, including the difficulty of managing the variable proportions of each species in the harvested mixture and the limited understanding of how individual crops perform within intercropping systems. The aim of this study was to estimate how intercropping of hull-less barley and oat with pea contribute to better crop performance under climatic conditions of Serbia. The trials were conducted at Rimski Šančevi (Vojvodina, North province of Serbia) using a RCBD design with four replicates. Sowing densities were 30% (hull-ess barley or oats):70% (pea). On average, the yield of hull-less barley (Golijat) and oats (Dunav) in 2022 and 2023 was notably higher in pure stands compared to intercropping practices.