Intercropping Cotton with Legumes: Enhancing Productivity and Sustainability in Mozambique
- Fundação RESET
- Mar 15
- 2 min read
Intercropping has gained attention as a sustainable agricultural practice that enhances soil fertility, optimizes land use, and improves overall yield stability. The 2023/24 Cotton-Legume Intercropping Study, conducted in Cuamba, Niassa Province, sought to evaluate the effects of intercropping cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) with legumes (cowpea and soybean) under different spatial arrangements. The study assessed productivity, soil health benefits, and land-use efficiency to identify the most effective planting configurations.
Key Findings
1. Impact of Intercropping on Cotton Yield
The study tested different intercropping patterns:
• 1:2 (one row of cotton to two rows of legumes)
• 2:3 (two rows of cotton to three rows of legumes)
• 8:3 (eight rows of cotton to three rows of legumes)
The results showed that the pure cotton plots yielded higher seed cotton per hectare compared to the intercropped systems. However, the 1:2 intercropping pattern with soybeans resulted in better land-use efficiency. This indicates that while absolute cotton yield per hectare may decrease slightly in intercropped systems, the total farm output per unit area increases when considering both crops.
2. Effects on Soil Fertility and Productivity
Intercropping with legumes improved soil fertility by increasing organic matter content and nitrogen levels, particularly when paired with soybeans. The Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), an indicator of land-use efficiency, showed that most intercropping systems performed better than monocropping, with the highest LER recorded in the 1:2 cotton-soybean arrangement.
Additionally, intercropping had a positive effect on capsule weight in cotton, particularly when combined with cowpea in the 1:2 and 2:3 patterns. These findings suggest that integrating legumes into cotton farming can enhance soil health and crop productivity over time.
3. Climate and Pest Management Considerations
The study highlighted the impact of erratic rainfall and pest infestations on crop performance. Rainfall levels during the study period were below the optimal range for cotton, affecting yields. Additionally, bollworms and aphids posed significant threats, requiring multiple pesticide applications. The findings suggest that integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including biological controls and resistant seed varieties, could help mitigate these challenges in future cropping cycles.
The Cotton-Legume Intercropping Study demonstrates that integrating legumes with cotton farming can optimize land use and enhance soil fertility, making it a viable alternative to traditional monocropping. The 1:2 cotton-soybean intercropping pattern was the most effective in balancing yield potential and resource efficiency. Future recommendations include scaling up trials with additional legume species, improving water management strategies, and promoting farmer adoption through education and extension programs.
The Bibliography source:
RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Cotton-Legume Intercropping Study is linked to several SDGs:
The SDG'sG's, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
