Global systematic review with meta-analysis reveals yield advantage of legume-based rotations and its drivers
Aarhus University · China Agricultural University · +5 more institutions
Abstract
Diversified cropping systems, especially those including legumes, have been proposed to enhance food production with reduced inputs and environmental impacts. However, the impact of legume pre-crops on main crop yield and its drivers has never been systematically investigated in a global context. Here, we synthesize 11,768 yield observations from 462 field experiments comparing legume-based and non-legume cropping systems and show that legumes enhanced main crop yield by 20%. These yield advantages decline with increasing N fertilizer rates and crop diversity of the main cropping system. The yield benefits are consistent among main crops (e.g., rice, wheat, maize) and evident across pedo-climatic regions.…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 64.60
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 66
Authors
9- JZJie ZhaoCorresponding
Aarhus University, China Agricultural University
- JCJi Chen
Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Aarhus University, Fonctionnement et Conduite des Systèmes de Culture Tropicaux et Méditerranéens, Fonctionnement agroécologique et performances des systèmes de culture horticoles
- DBDamien Beillouin
Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, The University of Western Australia, Fonctionnement agroécologique et performances des systèmes de culture horticoles
- HLHans Lambers
The University of Western Australia, China Agricultural University
- YYYadong Yang
University of Aberdeen, China Agricultural University
Topics & keywords
- Legume
- Cropping
- Context (archaeology)
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Yield (engineering)
- Crop
- Crop yield
- Zero hunger
Funding
- AUAarhus Universitet
- NNNational Natural Science Foundation of ChinaAwards: 32172125, 2020QNRC001, U21A20218, 32101850
- CAChina Agricultural University
- AUAarhus Universitets ForskningsfondAwards: AUFF-E-2019-7-1, 839806
- H2Horizon 2020 Framework Programme
- BABiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research CouncilAward: BB/N013484/1
- EFEarmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research SystemAward: CARS-07-B-5
- HMH2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie ActionsAwards: H2020, No. 839806, 839806