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GeMaBo: Environmental and economical assessment of an intercropping system between maize (zea mays L.)and runner beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with particular focus on the impacts on nitrogen balances and biodiversity (GeMaBo)
Project
Project code: 22027716
Contract period: 01.02.2019
- 31.01.2022
Budget: 445,863 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: biodiversity, mixed cultivation, environmental balance, corn, renewable ressources
The objective of the project is to show, whether the mixed cultivation of maize (zea mays L.) and runner beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) can improve the environmental performance of maize cultivation without impairing the economic performance. The question is, whether runner beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) can improve the negative environmental aspects of maize (Zea mays L.) in intercropping systems and if it’s economically reasonable. To reach this aim, field trials are established at two sites with different nitrogen replenishment rates (high and low). Additionally, impacts on arthropods and ground nesting birds will be assessed on large scale fields of cooperating farms. Results from field trials and faunistic investigations will be assessed environmentally and economically, and recommendations for policy makers and farmers will be derived. The project is based on the following hypothesis: • A mixed cropping system of maize and beans is a self-regulating system with regard to nitrogen balances. In case of low nitrogen replenishment rates in the soil the beans will use their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, and hence soil and fertilizer nitrogen is completely available to the maize. On sides with high nitrogen replenishment rates, beans will not fix atmospheric nitrogen. The authors assume that a mixed cropping system of maize and beans can increase nitrogen use efficiency, lower nitrogen surplus and finally reduce potential nitrate leaching to ground and surface water. • Maize and beans mixed cropping can reduce erosions risks because of higher soil coverage. • Maize and beans mixed cropping can increases habitat quality and biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. • Economic profitability of maize and beans mixed cropping and maize mono cropping are similar.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Production
- Resource management
- Renewable Resources
- Climate Change
