Increasing Resilience through Multi-Species Intercropping, Agroforestry and Mixed Grazing Crop-Livestock Systems

Agricultural systems are complex and dynamic, and their resilience can be affected by a range of factors, including changes in weather patterns, soil quality, pests and diseases, and market demand, among others. One way to enhance agricultural resilience is through management systems that integrate multiple elements, in a way that enhances the overall health and productivity of the system, rather than relying on individual components in isolation. Multi-species cropping (i.e., intercropping or agroforestry systems) and crop-livestock production systems that utilize grazing by multiple livestock species and also crop-livestock integration can improve soil health, reduce erosion, increase nutrient cycling, improve productivity and provide diverse sources of income for farmers. These systems also have great potential to increase food security and improve livelihoods, particularly in regions facing environmental and economic challenges. There is a need to further explore the specific impacts of these diversified systems in arable and livestock farming, on both environmental and economic sustainability. Such knowledge could provide valuable insights towards overall ecosystem health and productivity, as well as towards the mitigation of climate change and the enhancement of biodiversity. Furthermore, reports that assess the impact of climate change and other environmental stressors on crops and livestock lack specific consideration of multi-species cropping or crop-livestock integrated systems. Therefore, the collection of articles obtained through this issue could provide a one-point access to this critical information.

This research topic aims to advance knowledge of the potential benefits for these diversified and integrated agricultural practices. Specifically, it seeks to answer questions related to the effects of multi-species cropping and crop-livestock systems on the resilience of agricultural systems, the relationship between phytodiversity and system performance, and the economic benefits of diversified systems. Additionally, the research will test hypotheses regarding the role of policy and institutional frameworks in promoting these systems and their potential impacts on resilience to weather anomalies.

To gather further insights into the boundaries of diversified agricultural systems, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Effects of multi-species cropping (i.e., intercropping and agroforestry) and crop-livestock systems and mixed grazing on the resilience of agricultural systems
• Environmental stress and crop-livestock systems
• Relationship between sward or crop phytodiversity and system performance
• Role of policy and institutional frameworks in promoting diversified systems
• Potential impacts of diversified systems on resilience to weather anomalies
• Economic benefits of diversified systems in arable or organic livestock farming
• Potential innovative technologies for improving crop-livestock production systems