Barley intercropped with undersown species in northern Europe: a modest yet positive impact on carbon dioxide uptake during the shoulder seasons

Summary

This field study examined whether barley intercropped with undersown species enhances carbon dioxide uptake during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) in northern Europe. The authors report a modest yet positive effect of intercropping on CO₂ sequestration during these transitional periods, suggesting that diversified cereal systems may contribute incrementally to carbon uptake when main-crop photosynthetic activity is limited. The findings indicate that intercropping strategies merit consideration in climate-mitigation and soil-health frameworks, though the magnitude of benefit during these seasons appears constrained.

Regional applicability

The study was conducted in northern Europe and directly addresses growing conditions relevant to the United Kingdom. Findings on barley intercropping with undersown species under northern European climate and soil conditions should be readily transferable to UK arable farming systems, particularly in regions with similar growing seasons and shoulder-season weather patterns.

Key measures

Seasonal carbon dioxide (CO₂) uptake; net ecosystem exchange or gross primary productivity during shoulder seasons in intercropped versus monoculture barley systems

Outcomes reported

The study measured carbon dioxide uptake during shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) in barley crops undersown with additional species compared to monoculture barley. The research quantified the modest but positive impact of intercropping on CO₂ sequestration during transitional growing periods in northern European conditions.

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