Oilseeds in intercropping systems: Strategies to increase oil quality and fatty acid profile, a review

Abstract

The purpose of intercropping is to promote positive biological interactions between plants. The ecological principles that govern intercropping can be relevant across various species combinations and environments. However, it's important to assess each case individually, as the application of intercropping is context-dependent. Due to the lack of data and insufficient research on the oilseed intercropping system, this review article was conducted to identify new opportunities to strengthen oilseed intercropping with other companion plants. Three main sources were used to gather data from the research on oilseed cultivation in intercropping systems that were investigated in this review: 1) A search of 20 databases for agricultural science 2) a web search 3) a review of 100 journals in agricultural science. The total number of studies in Table 3 was 25, and in Table 4, there were 4 studies. Of the 29 studies, 9 were conducted in China, 3 in Iran, 3 in Canada, 2 in North America, 2 in the United States and 1 in India, Nigeria, Mexico, Australia, Turkey and 1 in Brazil (Table 3), 2 in Iran, 1 in Poland and 1 in China (Table 4). Intercropping systems are essential for reducing hunger since intercropping, particularly cereals and legume/oil seed blends, supply a significant share of the family's calorie needs. Oilseeds with other crops intercrops appear, especially legumes, may contribute to a sustainable food supply and lead to increased agricultural sustainability and resilience. This study has highlighted the performance, efficiency of resource use, and the importance of Land equivalent ratio as the most important indicator for evaluating intercropping, increasing the content and quality of oil and fatty acid in intercropping of oilseeds with legumes and other accompanying plants.

Keywords

• Complementarity
• Efficiency of resource use
• Facilitate
• Land equivalent ratio
• Legume
• Oil crops