Vol. 7, Issue 11, Part I (2025)

The growing demand for sustainable agriculture has led to an increased interest in intercropping systems as a strategy for enhancing soil fertility and improving crop yields. Soybean (Glycine max), a nitrogen-fixing legume, plays a key role in enriching soil nutrients, particularly nitrogen, when used in intercropping systems. This research evaluates the effects of various soybean intercropping systems on soil nutrient availability and seed yield. Specifically, the research compares soybean intercropped with maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) under different agro-climatic conditions. The objectives of the research are to assess the impact of these intercropping systems on soil nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic carbon content, as well as to analyze their influence on soybean seed yield and microbial activity.

The results show that intercropping significantly enhanced soil nutrient availability, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, compared to monocropped soybean. The maize-soybean and sorghum-soybean intercropping systems exhibited the highest increase in soil nitrogen and phosphorus levels, likely due to the nitrogen fixation capability of soybean. Soybean seed yield was also significantly higher in the intercropped systems, with the maize-soybean and sorghum-soybean systems yielding 15% and 12% more than monocropped soybean, respectively. Additionally, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) levels, a key indicator of soil health, were significantly higher in the intercropped plots, indicating improved microbial diversity and activity.

This research highlights the benefits of intercropping soybean with cereals and legumes as a sustainable agricultural practice that not only improves nutrient cycling but also enhances crop yield and soil health. The findings suggest that intercropping systems, particularly those involving nitrogen-fixing legumes, can provide an effective solution to soil degradation and nutrient depletion caused by monocropping. The results emphasize the importance of adopting intercropping systems for long-term soil fertility management and sustainable crop production. These practices offer practical benefits for farmers looking to optimize land use, reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.