Selection and management of legume intercrops in organic vegetable production

Description

The objective of the first phase of the project was to select a legume species for intercropping with broccoli at the Organic Agriculture Innovation Platform. The legume was chosen based on its ability to suppress crop pests, mainly insects and weeds, and encourage natural enemies, especially carabid beetles and parasitoids that attack caterpillar pests of crops in the cabbage family. For the second phase, plots with broccoli alone or planted with the selected intercrop have been set up. The cropping systems used are designed to minimize competition with the main crop. Soil tests are being conducted on certain aspects of soil quality in connection with the use of a legume intercrop. A technical and economic analysis will look at profitability thresholds calculated in terms of additional yields required to recover the cost of inputs and cultural operations associated with using legume intercrops.

Objective(s)

• Propose ways of using legume intercrops to control vegetable pests (insects, diseases, and weeds) while increasing soil productivity and quality and economic yields
• Examine legume management strategies to maximize benefits while minimizing competition with the main crop