Intermediate crops in the crop rotation for increased soil fertility and reduced climate impact

The aim of the project is to deepening the knowledge on how intermediate crops can contribute to soil fertility, carbon sequestration, healthy crops, increased food production and reduced climate impact in agricultural production systems. Developing efficient management strategies based on intermediate crops is essential in this respect. Altogether 6 field trials in WP1 with intermediate crops will be performed and analysis of biomass, N-min dynamics, host suitability to plant parasitic nematodes and effect on weeds will be evaluated. In WP2, the risk of intermediate crops acting as green bridges to pests and also effect on beneficial insects will be evaluated in commercial fields to be grown with sugar beet or potato. In particular, wireworms are of increasing concern due to substantial quality damage on ware potato in Sweden and abroad. In sugar beet, special attention is brought to thrips spp. which reduce early growth and aphids that are vectors for virus yellows.