Weichang Wu

Biotechnology Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, China
Author    Correspondence author
Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol. 16, No. 6   doi: 10.5376/lgg.2025.16.0027
Received: 20 Sep., 2025    Accepted: 31 Oct., 2025    Published: 24 Nov., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Wu W.C., 2025, Analysis on the application of intercropping in the efficient land utilization of leguminous crops, Legume Genomics and Genetics, 16(6): 270-278 (doi: 10.5376/lgg.2025.16.0027)

Intercropping is a key practice in sustainable agriculture, which aims to improve productivity and ecological balance by growing multiple crops in the same field. This study focuses on the integration of legumes in intercropping systems to improve land use efficiency. The theoretical basis of intercropping is systematically analyzed, emphasizing resource complementarity, niche differentiation and ecological intensification. Legume-based intercropping practice strategies, such as strip intercropping, relay intercropping and mixed intercropping, are further explored, and the agronomic, environmental and economic benefits of these strategies are evaluated. The practical applications and results are illustrated with case studies from East Africa, China and India. Despite the recognized advantages of intercropping, challenges such as labor complexity, mechanization limitations and knowledge gaps remain significant factors restricting its development. This study concludes that the integration of legumes through tailored intercropping methods can not only improve land productivity and soil health, but also contribute to sustainable intensification. Future development should focus on integrating precision agriculture, cultivating suitable varieties and strengthening policy support to scale up the application and improve its effectiveness.

Intercropping; Leguminous crops; Land-use efficiency; Ecological intensification; Sustainable agriculture