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Impact of intercrops on soil loss and surface runoff from sloping maize fields

Author

Listed:
  • Jan Gregar
  • Jan Petrů

    (Department of Land Use and Improvement, Faculty of Environmental Sciences,Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic)

  • Jana Kalibová

    (Department of Land Use and Improvement, Faculty of Environmental Sciences,Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic)

  • Věra Ürge

    (Department of Land Use and Improvement, Faculty of Environmental Sciences,Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic)

  • David Kincl

    (Department of Land Use and Improvement, Faculty of Environmental Sciences,Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
    Research Institute for Soil and Water Conservation, Prague-Zbraslav, Czech Republic)

  • Jan Vopravil

    (Department of Land Use and Improvement, Faculty of Environmental Sciences,Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
    Research Institute for Soil and Water Conservation, Prague-Zbraslav, Czech Republic)

Abstract

Water erosion poses a significant threat to more than 50% of agricultural land in the Czech Republic. Maize (Zea mays L.) is particularly susceptible to soil erosion, with the bare soil space between maize rows exposed to erosive agents. Intercropping has emerged as a potential solution to mitigate soil erosion risks in maize cultivation. A series of soil erosion field experiments were conducted from 2022 to 2023 using natural rainfall to investigate the influence of selected intercrop mixtures during the growing season on sediment yields and surface runoff volume. The results revealed a gradual decrease in surface runoff volume and sediment yields over the growing season. Significantly reduced surface runoff volume and soil loss were observed in two tested intercropped plots S2 - rye (Secale cereale) and incarnate clover (Trifolium incarnatum); S3 - ryegrass only (Lolium)), compared to a control plot managed conventionally with maize (S1). Surface runoff volume and soil loss from S2 and S3 reached 2.57-43.5% and 1.26-11.65% of the control plot, respectively. These findings highlight the soil conservation effect of intercrop technologies (S2 and S3) in mitigating soil erosion in maize cultivation. The importance of vegetation cover in reducing soil erosion intensified over time. Intercropping holds promise as a sustainable agricultural management strategy for sloping maize fields.

Suggested Citation

  • Jan Gregar & Jan Petrů & Jana Kalibová & Věra Ürge & David Kincl & Jan Vopravil, 2024. "Impact of intercrops on soil loss and surface runoff from sloping maize fields," Soil and Water Research, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 19(3), pages 168-175.
    • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlswr:v:19:y:2024:i:3:id:43-2024-swr
    DOI: 10.17221/43/2024-SWR
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fan, Zhiwei & An, Tongxin & Wu, Kaixian & Zhou, Feng & Zi, Shuhui & Yang, Yuanman & Xue, Guofeng & Wu, Bozhi, 2016. "Effects of intercropping of maize and potato on sloping land on the water balance and surface runoff," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 9-16.
    2. David Kabelka & David Kincl & Jan Vopravil & Petr Vráblík, 2021. "Impact of cover crops in inter-rows of hop gardens on reducing soil loss due to water erosion," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 67(4), pages 230-235.
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    5. David Kincl & Pavel Formánek & Jan Vopravil & Pavel Nerušil & Ladislav Menšík & Jaroslava Janků, 2022. "Soil-conservation effect of intercrops in silage maize," Soil and Water Research, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 17(3), pages 180-190.
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