A Collaborative Research Project
Exploring the Advantages of Intercropping for Biodiversity Management and Livestock Forage Potential
The B.C. Forage Council (BCFC) is engaging in collaborative research to explore the advantages of intercropping in promoting biodiversity and optimizing livestock forage management. We have connected with agricultural producers from the North Okanagan, Thompson-Nicola, and Central South Cariboo regions to join us as on-farm research partners for the summer of 2025 (with a possibility of extending over multiple years).
Background
This new initiative emerged from producer engagement through the Central South Interior (CSI) Regional Extension Committee (REC). Producers recognized the significance of biodiversity, particularly regarding pollinators, in creating a resilient and productive food system. Intercropping was identified as a practice with the potential for enhancing biodiversity, while also producing livestock feed, but more information is required prior to adopting this practice.
Objectives
This project will install six on-farm demonstration sites (two in each region), and collaborate with producers to highlight appropriate intercropping techniques and their potential benefits for pollinators and other beneficial species, while still contributing to livestock feed. Practices may include (but are not limited to) the use of annual forage with inter-row cover crops, annual relay cropping, or newly seeded perennials. Data collection will include fall soil samplings from selected fields; yield, agronomics and livestock feed value; assessing biodiversity and impacts on pollinators; and the economic impacts of the intercropping practice.
Project Activities
Over the 2024-2025 winter, farm partners will work with the BC Forage Council to prepare for the installation of the demonstration plots in the 2025 growing season. Ideally, fall soil samples will be collected, and results will be provided to the producer to support nutrient management considerations and species selection. Project will support input costs, within the scope of the provided budget.
Each farm will be provided with a detailed Site Plan to help outline specific activities for their operation. Support for both installation and data collection will be provided by the BCFC team, and regular check-ins with farm partners will be established. A small honorarium will be provided to the farm partner upon completion of the growing season.
Factsheets and/or case studies will be created to provide information on intercropping species and data derived from field demonstrations. Farm partners will need to participate in workshops and field days to share their experiences and project findings to the agriculture community.
Expected Benefits
There are several expected benefits for the farm partner from participation in the demonstration project, including:
- Being familiar with identifying both native and non-native beneficial species that can thrive in their local environments can help farmers track the improvements (or opportunities for improvement) on their land. Creating habitats that attract these species, such as wildflower strips or hedgerows, can bolster pollinator populations and improve crop yields.
- Gain agronomic support for selecting the appropriate species for their aims, nutrient management consideration and other production considerations, while also accessing support for economic assessment of the practices.
- Regularly monitoring the farm’s biodiversity and crop performance can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of implemented strategies. Farmers should be prepared to adapt their practices based on observed outcomes, ensuring ongoing improvement in both biodiversity and productivity.
Factsheets on Intercropping
On Farm Demonstration Research Sites
Coming Soon.
Data Collection
Coming soon.
B.C. Forage Council 