Effect of pea-brassica intercrops on yield and quality of subsequent crops

Intercropping allows for simultaneous cultivation of multiple crop species in the same field during a growing season or a part of the growing season, which is a promising strategy for ecological intensification for improving sustainability. The project is to evaluate potential benefits of pea – brassica oilseed intercrops and explore the underlying mechanisms driving outyielding compared to sole crops, and to evaluate the effects of pulse – brassica intercrops on the yield and quality of the subsequent crops – potato and carrot. During the first phase of intercrops (2025), five treatments, including (1) pea-camelina, (2) pea-brown mustard, (3) pea only, (4) brown mustard only, and (5) camelina only will be planted. Data collection will include leaf area index, photosynthesis efficiency, water and nutrient use efficiency, seed yield, seed quality, and land equivalent ratio (LER), disease and weed pressure, and soil nutrient and microbial analysis. During the second phase (2026), the carryover effects of the previous intercrops on nutrient availability, pest control, yield and quality in the subsequent cash crops, potato and carrot will be evaluated. The expected outcome of this project will be used to strategically design plant mixtures to improve crop resilience to environmental stresses in agricultural systems.

Faculty Supervisor:

Yunfei Jiang

Student:

Partner:

Eastern Canada Oilseeds Development Alliance, Inc. (ECODA)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Dalhousie University

Program:

Accelerate

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