Hello, my name is Benedikt Haug, and I am a researcher at the #PlantBreeding group of #WageningenUniversity. I will post here regularly on my work in breeding for biodiverse and resilient cropping systems, such as mixed cropping, strip cropping, agroforestry and agrivoltaics.

My main interests are in the role of the #PlantGenotype and its #Holobiont in...

#PlantBreeding #Agronomy #Agroecology #CropDiversification #Genetics #PlantPlantInteraction #PlantSoilInteraction #PlantMicrobiomeInteraction #NicheComplementarity #PlantCompetition #Facilitation #PlantCommunityEcology #RegenerativeAgriculture #OrganicAgriculture #MixedCropping #Intercropping #StripCropping #Agroforestry #Agrivoltaics

#JustOut A very nice first #openaccess paper of Illiana Kwenda, MPhil student at University of Zimbabwe 👏 !

Combining two years of on-farm experiments & modeling with the STICS soil-crop model, we showed that land productivity benefits of maize-cowpea #intercropping can be maintained in conditions of high water and nitrogen stress

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109890

Wheat & Soybean Team-Up: 🌾+🌱
Our new study shows:
✔️ #Intercropping saves land & increases protein yield
✔️ Earlier sowing can optimize yields
The results are based on field trials and model simulations under different climate scenarios.
Published in Field Crops Research – a fascinating step towards the future of agriculture! 🌍
🔗 Read more: https://www.zalf.de/en/aktuelles/Pages/FPD/Mischanbau-Modellierung.aspx
#SustainableFarming #Research #Intercropping #FutureAgriculture
Wheat and soybean as a team: new study shows the benefits of relay intercropping

A new study by the Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) shows that the combined cultivation of winter wheat and soybean in Germany could be a sustainable alternative to conventional cultivation. By adjusting the sowing time, both yield and protein content of the crop can be increased. With mixed cropping, protein-rich soybeans for animal feed could be produced regionally. The researchers modelled yield development under different climate scenarios based on results from field trials with soy and wheat in relay intercropping systems. The results have been published in the journal Field Crops Research.

Why stick to plain fields? 🌾🌱🌾🌱
Our field study in Eastern Brandenburg (2021–2023) provides initial insights: Strip cropping may support beneficial insects 🐞 and boost biodiversity. Read more:
https://www.zalf.de/en/aktuelles/Pages/PB2/Vielfalt_auf_dem_Feld.aspx
#Biodiversity #Agriculture #Research #Intercropping
Diversity in the field: Insights into the impact of alternative cropping systems on natural pest management

Diversity in the field: Insights into the impact of alternative cropping systems on natural pest management

Was passiert, wenn wir Kulturen in Streifen statt einzeln anbauen? 🌾🌱🌾🌱
Unsere Feldstudie in Ostbrandenburg (2021–2023) an Soja und Weizen zeigt: Streifenanbau könnte Nützlinge 🐞 fördern. Hier erfahrt ihr mehr:
https://www.zalf.de/de/aktuelles/Seiten/PB2/Vielfalt_auf_dem_Feld.aspx
#Nachhaltigkeit #Landwirtschaft #Biodiversität #Intercropping
Vielfalt auf dem Feld: Auswirkungen alternativer Anbausysteme auf die natürliche Schädlingsbekämpfung

Vielfalt auf dem Feld: Auswirkungen alternativer Anbausysteme auf die natürliche Schädlingsbekämpfung

Boost your garden’s productivity with intercropping! 🌱 Plant fast-growers like radishes or lettuce between slow-growers like broccoli or onions. You’ll harvest early crops while the bigger veggies take their time, making the most of your space and increasing yields. #GardeningTips #Intercropping

@botanyone

Nice study. And with prsctical relevance.
We really need #intercropping and multispecies cover-cropping get on the ground!

(And acknowledge that there are many wonderful examples of indigenous people managing their orchards way more advanced than anyone practicing #PrecisionAgriculture )

#SoilMicrobiology #SoilMicrobiome #SoilScience #Agriculture #ConservationAgriculture #SustainableAgriculture #OrganicAgriculture #CoverCrops #Intercropping #Biodiversity #Agroecology

New article! Our research shows that #intercropping diverse plant species can boost yield stability and support pollinators—a win-win for both farmers and biodiversity!
#SustainableFarming #Biodiversity #Pollinators #AgricultureResearch
Read more here:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167880924004134
Stable pollinator communities in different white clover populations suggest potential win-win scenarios for crop yield and biodiversity

Compared to monocultures, intercropping systems offer many agronomic benefits, including higher yield stability. In this study, we assessed whether cr…

Lami Jinatu Wamdeo has some promising data showing protective effects of legume intercropping on maize/fall armyworm, though little final effect on yield. #Ento24 #intercropping

The power of teamwork 💪🏻

Scientists are teasing out the benefits of #intercropping, but getting the right mix of plants is key: "monocultures enjoy less protection from herbivores than pairs or trios of crops, and those mixed plantings may therefore be more productive".

https://www.science.org/content/article/when-maize-screams-beans-listen-how-three-sisters-crop-trio-repels-pests?utm_source=press.coop

#monoculture #milpa #MixingCrops #CropMixing #maize #bean #squash #ReducePesticideUse #OrganicFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #Agriculture