Intercropping Sunflower and Soybeans is a Game Changer for Smallholders

At Monana Organic Limited, we are always looking for ways to support smallholder farmers in Zambia to make the most of their land, increase yields, and achieve greater profitability. One such way is by using intercropping techniques, so we wanted to share some insights into how intercropping sunflowers with soybeans can boost your productivity and improve soil health.

Sunflower and legumes intercropped

Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/11/12/2381, (Babec et al. 2021)

Why Intercrop Sunflowers and Soybeans?

Intercropping is the practice of planting two or more crops together on the same plot of land. When done right, it can help you get more from your land, reduce risks, and increase profits. Intercropping sunflowers and soybeans is particularly effective for smallholder farmers in Zambia due to the unique benefits each crop offers.

Here’s why this combination works so well:

Greater Productivity, Better Yields

Recent research by Olowe & Adebimpe (2009) has shown that intercropping sunflowers (varieties Isaanka and Record) with late-maturing soybean varieties (TGx 1448-2E and TGx 1440-1E) can lead to a grain yield increase of up to 47% and 58%, respectively, compared to monocropping. By choosing the right varieties, you can significantly boost your productivity, resulting in more profit per hectare of your farmland.

Improved Soil Fertility

Soybeans, being a legume, are natural nitrogen fixers. They enrich the soil with nitrogen, which sunflowers can then benefit from. This not only reduces the need for expensive nitrogen fertilizers but also improves soil health in the long term, leading to sustainable farming practices. Imagine healthier crops and reduced costs.

Efficient Land Use

With land being a precious resource for smallholder farmers, intercropping helps you make the most out of every square meter. The land equivalent ratio (LER) for intercropping sunflower with soybean varieties Isaanka and Record with TGx 1448-2E and TGx 1440-1E was found to be 1.47 and 1.58, respectively, meaning intercropping is 47% to 58% more efficient in terms of land use compared to growing them separately (Olowe & Adebimpe, 2009).

The planting system used in the research included two rows of sunflower followed by four rows of soybean, with a row spacing of 60 cm. This arrangement ensured that both crops had enough space to grow without excessive competition, optimizing yields (Olowe & Adebimpe, 2009).

Resistance to Drought and Pests

Sunflowers are naturally drought-resistant, making them an ideal crop for regions with unpredictable rainfall. They also act as a protective barrier, creating a favorable environment for soybeans by reducing moisture loss from the soil. This combination can also help mitigate pest issues, as intercropping often leads to fewer pest infestations compared to monocropping.

How to Get Started with Intercropping

Here are some practical steps to get started with intercropping sunflowers and soybeans on your farm:

Choose Compatible Varieties: Opt for sunflower varieties like Isaanka or Record and soybean varieties like TGx 1440-1E or TGx 1448-2E. These combinations have been shown to produce higher yields.
Timing is Key: In Zambia, planting at the start of the rainy season (November/December) is ideal for these crops to maximize moisture availability.
Proper Spacing: Maintain a spacing of 60 x 30 cm for sunflowers and 60 x 5 cm for soybeans. Proper spacing ensures that both crops get the nutrients, light, and water they need.
Monitor and Manage: Regularly check for pests and diseases to ensure both crops are healthy. Intercropping requires more management, but the benefits are worth the effort.

Get Started with Monana Organic Limited

Intercropping sunflowers and soybeans can help you boost productivity, make better use of your land, and create a sustainable farming system that benefits both you and the environment.

Ready to give it a try? Visit our Grow with Us page or reach out to us for more tips and guidance on how you can get started with sunflower farming, intercropping and make the most out of your farm. Together, we can nurture nature, empower communities, and grow towards a brighter future!

For more insights on intercropping techniques, see our post on Maximizing Agricultural Yields: The Advantages of Intercropping Sunflowers in Zambian Farming Techniques and our detailed look at intercropping sunflower with beans, maize, groundnuts, and sorghum.