Impact of intercrops on soil loss and surface runoff from sloping maize fields

Water erosion poses asignificant threat tomore than 50% ofagricultural land inthe Czech Republic. Maize (Zea mays L.) isparticularly susceptible tosoil erosion, with the bare soil space between maize rows exposed toerosive agents. Intercropping has emerged asapotential solution tomitigate soil erosion risks inmaize cultivation. Aseries ofsoil erosion field experiments were conducted from 2022 to2023 using natural rainfall toinvestigate the influence ofselected intercrop mixtures during the growing season onsediment yields and surface runoff volume. The results revealed agradual decrease insurface runoff volume and sediment yields over the growing season. Significantly reduced surface runoff volume and soil loss were observed intwo tested intercropped plots S2 – rye (Secale cereale) and incarnate clover (Trifolium incarnatum); S3 – ryegrass only (Lolium)), compared to a control plot managed conventionally with maize (S1). Surface runoff volume and soil loss from S2 and S3 reached 2.57–43.5% and 1.26–11.65% of the control plot, respectively. These findings highlight the soil conservation effect of intercrop technologies (S2 and S3) in mitigating soil erosion in maize cultivation. The importance of vegetation cover in reducing soil erosion intensified over time. Intercropping holds promise as a sustainable agricultural management strategy for sloping maize fields.