Publication

Abstract : Soil degradation and pollution driven by human activities and climate change pose serious threats to agricultural systems, with far-reaching consequences for food security and public health. This research evaluated the effects of intercropping systems on soil health and their resilience to climate change. A meta-analysis, based on 116 publications, compared intercropping with monocropping, focusing on soil properties, resource efficiency and their potential for climate regulation. Mean values of all assessed soil properties and resource-use efficiency were higher under intercropping system. The lower coefficient of variation (CV) values associated with intercropping indicate more stable improvements in soil health compared to mono cropping, with effect size and correlation analyses highlighting differences between the two cropping systems. Our study revealed that intercropping resulted in a 50.2% increase in total soil porosity, a 40.6% rise in infiltration rate, and a 12.1% improvement in soil moisture content compared to monocropping. Additionally, organic carbon increased by 9.7%, and total nitrogen rose by 48.3%. Overall, physical soil properties improved by 14.62%, while chemical properties increased by 16.7%. Nutrient use efficiency surged by 28.6%, and water use efficiency improved by 12.1%. Intercropping also contributed to regulating atmospheric humidity and temperature by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Based on the assessed literature, while intercropping provides numerous benefits for soil health and climate change mitigation, its wider adoption is constrained by limited recognition among extension experts, outdated farming equipment, low farmer awareness, and inadequate financial support. Therefore, policymakers should establish supportive frameworks to promote the sustainable use of intercropping systems.