Summary
This review synthesises evidence on the agronomic and environmental benefits of legume intercropping systems across diverse climates and cropping contexts. Findings demonstrate consistent improvements in soil health through increased organic matter and nitrogen fixation, enhanced crop productivity and resource use efficiency, reduced pest and disease pressure, and improved climate resilience via soil ecological processes. The authors identify key research gaps in species selection optimisation, agronomic practice tailoring, and socio-economic adoption barriers.
Regional applicability
Legume intercropping strategies may be applicable to UK mixed and arable farming systems, particularly where nitrogen fertiliser reduction is a priority and soil health improvement is sought. However, the review encompasses diverse agro-climatic zones globally; UK-specific research on optimal legume species selection, timing, and integration with temperate cropping systems would be needed to guide practical adoption.
Key measures
Nitrogen fixation (~125 kg N/ha/season); crop yield increase (30–35% main crop equivalent yield); water use efficiency (20–25% improvement); nutrient use efficiency (25–30% improvement); pest and disease yield losses (20–25% reduction); soil bulk density, soil organic matter, erosion rates, hardpan penetration
Outcomes reported
This review synthesised evidence on legume intercropping's effects on nitrogen fixation, soil properties, water retention, pest and disease control, and crop yield across diverse agro-climatic zones. It reported quantified improvements in soil health, crop yields, nutrient use efficiency, water use efficiency, and climate resilience metrics.
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