Spring 2026 - Further Reading

Intercropping for protein yield resilience: peas, beans and cereals in a changing climate 

In the Spring 2026 edition of the KnowHow, the article Intercropping for protein yield resilience: peas, beans and cereals in a changing climate looks at early findings from a project by the James Hutton Institute.

Below are links to studies containing further reading:

Improving intercropping: a synthesis of research in agronomy, plant physiology and ecology

The authors combine insights from farming science, plant biology, and ecology to show that crops can “help” each other by using resources in slightly different ways — for example, accessing nutrients at different soil depths or growing at different times. The main message: if we better understand how plants interact, we can design smarter crop mixtures that increase productivity and sustainability while reducing the need for fertilisers and chemicals.

Brooker, R.W., Bennett, A.E., Cong, W.-F., Daniell, T.J., George, T.S., Hallett, P.D., Hawes, C., Iannetta, P.P.M., Jones, H.G., Karley, A.J., Li L., McKenzie, B.M., Pakeman, R.J., Paterson, E., Schöb, C., Shen, J., Squire, G., Watson, C.A., Zhang, C., Zhang, F., Zhang, J., White, P.J. (2014). Improving intercropping: a synthesis of research in agronomy, plant physiology and ecology. New Phytologist 206, 107-117.

Positive effects of intercrop yields in farms from across Europe depend on rainfall, crop composition, and management: RW Brooker et al

This study looked at real farms across Europe and found that growing crops together (intercropping) often increases overall yields; but the benefits depend on conditions. Intercropping worked best when there was adequate rainfall, the right combination of crops, and good farm management. In drier conditions or with poorly matched crops, the advantages were smaller. The main takeaway: intercropping can boost production on working farms, but success depends on climate, crop choice, and how the system is managed.

Brooker, R.W., Pakeman, R.J., Adam, E., Banfield-Zanin, J.A., Bertelsen, I., Bickler, C., Fog-Petersen, J., George, D., Newton, A.C., Rubiales, D. and Tavoletti, S. (2024). Positive effects of intercrop yields in farms from across Europe depend on rainfall, crop composition, and management: RW Brooker et al. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 44, 35.

Crop mixtures: yield responses to climate and management and impacts on seed and soil chemical composition in a Scottish-based study

This study tested crop mixtures in Scotland to see how yields respond to weather and farm management, and how mixtures affect seed quality and soil chemistry. The researchers found that growing crops together can improve yields under certain climate and management conditions, but results vary depending on the year and how the crops are managed. Crop mixtures also changed the nutrient content of harvested seeds and influenced soil nutrient levels. The key message: crop mixtures can provide benefits beyond yield – including effects on food quality and soil health – but outcomes depend strongly on climate and farming practices.

Brooker, R., Pakeman, R.J., Hewison, R.L., Mitchell, C., Newton, A.C., Neilson, R., Raubach, S., Shaw, P.D., Verrall, S., Karley, A.J., (2024b). Crop mixtures: yield responses to climate and management and impacts on seed and soil chemical composition in a Scottish-based study. Plant and Soil, pp.1-19.

A multifunctional solution for wicked problems: value-chain wide facilitation of legumes cultivated at bioregional scales is necessary to address the climate-biodiversity-nutrition nexus

This paper argues that growing more legumes (such as peas, beans, and lentils) at regional scales could help tackle linked problems in climate change, biodiversity loss, and poor diets. Legumes naturally add nitrogen to soil, reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers, support wildlife, and provide nutritious protein. However, to make a real difference, changes are needed across the whole food system – from farming and processing to markets and consumer demand. The main message: legumes are a powerful tool for improving environmental sustainability and human nutrition, but coordinated action across the supply chain is essential.

Iannetta, P.P.M., Hawes, C., Begg, G.S, Maaß, H., Ntatsi, G., Savvas, D., Vasconcelos, M., Hamann, K., Williams. M., Styles, D., Toma, L., Shrestha, S., Balázs, B., Kelemen, E., Debeljak, M., Trajanov, A., Vickers, R., Rees, R.M. (2021). A multifunctional solution for wicked problems: value-chain wide facilitation of legumes cultivated at bioregional scales is necessary to address the climate-biodiversity-nutrition nexus. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 239. 

The Protein Project (2026) Towards a legume renaissance: a practical European roadmap for fava beans for food & feed

The roadmap explains how growing more fava (faba) beans (field beans) across Europe could help farmers and the food chain work better for people and the planet. It was put together with farmers, researchers, processors and retailers to make sure real farm experiences are included. The report shows that increasing field bean production could reduce reliance on imported fertiliser and animal feed, improve soil health and biodiversity, boost farm incomes and make farming systems more resilient, while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions and supporting healthier diets. To make it happen, it sets out practical steps for improving farming practices, building markets, and changing policies so that legumes become a stronger part of food and feed systems in the EU.

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Intercropping for protein yield resilience: peas, beans and cereals in a changing climate