Unveiling the potential of maize-legume intercropping system for agricultural sustainability: A review

Abstract

Intercropping offers a promising approach to enhance productivity in a given land area by simultaneously cultivating two or more crops together. Maize, a versatile cereal crop that can be seeded in widespread rows, presents an excellent prospect for growing another crop in between two rows. The coexistence of maize and legumes in an intercropping system brings about numerous benefits across various facets. The accomplishment of the maize-legumes intercropping system relies heavily on proper selection of crop species in mixed stands, considering factors such as their duration, plant stand per unit area, planting geometry and planting time. The advantages of adopting a maize-legume intercropping system are manifold. Firstly, it leads to higher yields and optimal utilization of available resources. Additionally, this system aids in weed, pest and disease management. Legumes play a crucial role by fixing biological nitrogen and transferring it to the associated maize plants, thereby contributing to nitrogen availability. Moreover, intercropping with legumes acts as an insurance against crop failure for smallholders and helps in restriction of soil erosion by covering a larger field area. The article focuses on the multifaceted benefits of the maize-legumes intercropping system, highlighting its potential to enhance agricultural productivity, resource utilization and sustainable farming practices.