Effect of intercropping on soil physical and chemical properties in an olive orchard

Conservational agricultural practices need to be implemented for improving agricultural productivity and protecting soils in a changing climate. Intercropping systems indicating multiple cropping within the same space may be used as an alternative production system which involves various plant species. This system reduces mineral N-fertilizer use and also improves soil physical and chemical properties. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of four different intercrops (i- barley+pea, ii- barley+vetch, iii- triticale+pea, and iv- triticale+vetch) in an olive orchard on biomass yield, and some physical and chemical soil properties in a two-year field experiment in South-East Turkey. The biomass yield, soil porosity, bulk density, penetration resistance, aggregate stability, and soil organic matter content have been determined at the end of each harvest. The highest biomass yield was recorded in triticale+pea, while the lowest yield was obtained under barley+vetch treatment. A significant positive relationship was determined between aggregate stability and biomass yield, in contrast significant negative relationship was obtained between penetration resistance and biomass yield. The results of the study clearly showed that intercrops (specifically triticale+pea) can be used to produce additional biomass for animal husbandry and improve soil quality in olive tree plantations.