The Chinese practice of joint cropping demonstrates that this approach can simultaneously increase yields and reduce costs.
In the Chinese province of Gansu, a technology for joint cultivation of crops such as wheat and corn is currently being tested. As part of the experiment, researchers managed to achieve significant success.
It is noted that this province is problematic in terms of climate, since there is little rainfall and very rapid evaporation of moisture.
As a result, this is an arid region with high water costs.
Joint cultivation of corn and wheat allows one of the main issues relevant to local farmers to be solved, namely, saving water. At the same time, in the experimental field, each of the crops has its own separate irrigation system, which takes into account the individual watering needs of both wheat and corn.
For example, wheat, which is planted in March, needs watering in May. Corn, which is planted in the same field in April, does not need it, so it is watered only in June.
In addition, joint cultivation allows to reduce the cost of fertilizers, as well as reduce their negative impact on the environment.
The project managers note that the emphasis is on organic fertilizers, and the entire process of sowing and harvesting is largely mechanized. This helps to reduce labor costs.
The second most important advantage of joint cultivation of two crops is the increase in the yield of both wheat and corn, and very significantly: by 70 and 250 kilograms, respectively, from one mu (0.06 hectares).
Thanks to this, farmers also increase their profitability.
Experts emphasize that a wide range of modern technologies are used during the experiment conducted in China.
For example, in addition to drip irrigation of each crop separately, artificial intelligence technologies are used for precision irrigation, and rainwater is collected, which is then used for irrigation.
The researchers conducting the experiment are actively drawing attention to it and recommending that farmers widely use this practice, since it can significantly increase the profitability of the business, increasing the yield and simultaneously reducing costs.
Therefore, it is possible that in other regions of China, this practice will be used in the foreseeable future by a large number of agricultural producers interested in increasing their profits.
