Sustainable Agriculture and Green Economy Using Intercropping Agronomic Systems: Comparative Analysis of Two Blackcurrant–Walnut Planting Configurations

Intercropping systems can enhance land-use efficiency and generate early income in young orchards during the non-productive phase of perennial trees. This paper evaluates the agroeconomic performance of an organic blackcurrant–walnut intercropping system implemented under two planting configurations: (i) planting blackcurrant on walnut rows (782 plants/ha) and (ii) planting blackcurrant between walnut rows (1250 plants/ha). The study was conducted as a comparative case study in young walnut orchards in South-West Oltenia, Romania. Results indicate that, although the between-row configuration involves higher establishment and maintenance costs, it achieves higher yields and revenue, leading to improved economic efficiency and return on investment. These findings support intercropping as a viable strategy for enhancing the economic performance of young walnut plantations.