Potential of Sunflower-Legume Intercropping: A Way Forward in Sustainable Production of Sunflower in Temperate Climatic Conditions

Abstract

The ongoing climate change, coupled with the transformations of cultivation practices and land use in sole crop production, may cause a significant decline in sunflower yield stability. Considering that the sunflower is the third oilseed in the world oilseed market, with 45 million tons of grain per year, and that it takes the fourth position in the vegetable oil market, the implementation of sustainable growing technology in sunflower production is a necessity. Considering the above, the goal of the research was to analyze and recommend sustainable sunflower production technology in intercropping systems. A four-year trial was conducted in Serbia’s agroecological conditions (45∘34′23.2′′ N 19∘86′18.9′′ E) using a split-plot design. Two oil-type hybrids and one confectionary-type hybrid were intercropped with common vetch, red clover, and alfalfa. Common vetch × sunflower intercropping resulted in the decrease in almost all sunflower traits. Moreover, sunflower × alfalfa intercropping proved to be the most appropriate. The yield of NS Gricko and Rimi PR were statistically on the same level with sole cropping, while alfalfa biomass had better results after alfalfa was intercropped with NS Gricko, as compared to sole cropping. In view of the prevailing belief that yields are more stable in intercropping than in sole cropping, further research is needed in this respect, in addition to further research of the time and method of sowing.

Impact of Reducing Fertilizers and Pesticides on Sunflower Production in Romania versus EU Countries

“…Given that sunflower is the third oleaginous plant on the world market of oilseeds, with 45 million tons of grains per year, and that it occupies the fourth position in the vegetable oils market, the implementation of a sustainable growth technology in sunflower production is a necessity [31]. Given that sunflower is the third oilseed plant on the world oilseed market, high interest in oilseeds will lead to increased production and trade.…”

“…Climate change and the practice of monoculture have, however, led to a significant decrease in sunflower production [31]. Agro-meteorological conditions have a direct impact on production [32].…”

Application of Crop Modeling in Multi-Cropping Systems for Maximize Production and Build Resilient Ecosystem Services

“…Diversity at all levels, from genetics to the ecosystem, enhances the ability to crop systems to overcome and adapt to forthcoming changes [49]. It reduces interspecific competition by enhancing complementarity or facilitation processes thereby improving the exploitation of resources, which in turn reflected in the increase in plant production corresponding to greater efficiency of the agroecosystem as a whole [50].…”

“…Along with food safety, biodiversity supports healthy and nutrient-rich diets, enhances the efficiency of agroecosystems, and boosts resilience to changing environmental conditions, climate risks, and socioeconomic challenges [51][52][53]. Sunflower intercropping with alfalfa proved the most appropriate and stable yields than sole cropping [49]. Similarly, intercropping may contribute to the mitigation of climate change, for example, by reducing the need for fossil-based N fertilizer, mechanical weed control, and the associated N 2 O and CO 2 emissions [11].…”