Paulownia-Based Intercropping Systems: A Systematic Review of Yield Efficiency, Biodiversity Benefits, and Economic Viability

This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 69 peer-reviewed studies, institutional reports, and meta-analyses spanning 22 countries to evaluate Paulownia-based intercropping systems across three dimensions: yield efficiency, biodiversity impact, and economic viability. Key findings: Paulownia intercropping achieves Land Equivalent Ratios (LER) of 1.1-1.5, indicating 10-50% greater land-use efficiency than monocultures Agroforestry systems enhance overall biodiversity by +23%, pollination by +36%, and biological pest control by +65.5% Paulownia sequesters 33-60 tonnes CO2/ha/year (8-13x the European forest average) Net economic returns of EUR 5,000-24,900/ha/year vs. EUR 200-600/ha for wheat monoculture The review identifies Paulownia-morel mushroom intercropping as a high-priority research gap with significant economic potential.