Sugarcane/wheat intercropping maximizes crop productivity and effect on soil physicochemical properties in Pakistan

The performance of sole and intercropping systems in sugarcane cultivation determined productivity and physciochemical properties in Pakistan. A structured face-to-face interview schedule used to collect field information from 70 sugarcane growers and 210 soil samples in each of the three stages i.e. early (before fertilizer’s application), crop maturity and after harvesting by these growers for key soil fertility indicators, including soil texture, mineral nitrogen, organic matters (OM), total organic carbon (TOC), pH and electrical conductivity (EC). Walkey Black and AB-DTPA methods were applied for analysis of organic matter (OM), and total organic carbon (TOC), and mineral nitrogen. Findings showed that single cultivar CP-77400 recorded sugarcane average yield of 118 tha -1 in sole cropping and combined cultivars CP-77400 and Pona produced an average yield of 110.70 tha -1 in intercropping. Moreover, average mineral nitrogen was calculated at 16.35, 22.64 and 10.78 Mgha -1 in sole cropping and 17.06, 22.34 and 10.32 Mgha -1 in intercropping. Average organic matter was calculated 35.2, 36.5 and 37.5 Mgha -1 in sole cropping and 36.4, 38 and 38.7 Mgha -1 in intercropping. The total organic carbon (TOC) was calculated 20, 20.30 and 21.80 Mgha -1 in sole cropping and 21.71, 23.27 and 22.41 Mgha -1 in intercropping. Although soil pH (7.91 to 8) remained within optimal ranges under both systems, EC (21.51 to 27.01) was higher in intercropping plots, indicating possible long-term salinity buildup. This research highlights the importance of crop-soil compatibility, varietal selection and cultivation method in optimizing sugarcane production. Policy recommendations include expanding access and utilization of recommended planting material and enhancing farmer training on sustainable soil and crop management.