Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Towards higher agrobiodiversity – Evaluating the effects of undersowing different flowering species on soybean productivity

Cleo A. Döttinger, Kim A. Steige, Volker Hahn, Willmar L. Leiser, Kristina Bachteler, Tobias Würschum

Field Crops Research · 2025

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Summary

This field trial examined the agronomic and biodiversity effects of undersowing soybean with different flowering species, as part of efforts to increase on-farm biodiversity whilst maintaining productivity. The work evaluates trade-offs and synergies between crop yield and plant diversity in temperate arable systems. The findings contribute to understanding how intercropping strategies can enhance ecological function in soybean-based cropping systems.

UK applicability

Soybean cultivation is limited in the United Kingdom, making direct applicability modest; however, the intercropping methodology and agrobiodiversity principles may inform UK research on undersowing in other arable crops (cereals, pulses) to enhance farmland ecology.

Key measures

Soybean productivity (yield); agrobiodiversity metrics (species richness, abundance, or diversity indices); undersown species performance and establishment

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated the effects of undersowing different flowering plant species on soybean productivity and agrobiodiversity outcomes. As suggested by the title, measurements likely included crop yield, plant diversity indices, and potentially soil or ecosystem service metrics.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Arable cropping systems
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Germany
System type
Arable cereals
DOI
10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109761
Catalogue ID
SNmoqqsey1-lvuwfv

Topic tags

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