Summary
This narrative review synthesises existing evidence on the management and performance of cover crops used as intercropped live mulches alongside cash crops in both annual and perennial systems. The authors conclude that effects on productivity and resource availability vary substantially by cover crop species, management practices, and environmental context, and identify key practical considerations for optimising these systems. The work contributes to understanding how live mulch intercropping can be leveraged to improve soil health and resource use efficiency in farming systems.
Regional applicability
The review's findings on temperate and Mediterranean cover crop species and intercropping management approaches are likely relevant to UK arable and horticultural systems, though specific outcome thresholds and optimal management timing may require local validation given differences in climate and growing seasons.
Key measures
Plant productivity metrics, soil health indicators, water availability, nutrient availability, resource use efficiency, species-specific and management-specific performance differences
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised evidence on how intercropped cover crops (live mulches) affect cash crop productivity, soil health, and availability of growth resources including water and nutrients. Outcomes were examined across both annual field crop systems and perennial orchard/vineyard systems.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.