The aim of the ReMIX project was to analyse and optimize the functioning of species mixtures, also called intercrops, in order to help design sustainable and diversified cropping systems for both conventional and organic agriculture. The studied species mixtures were mainly cereals and grain legumes. Eleven multi-actor platforms were set up in ten countries in order to demonstrate potential performance of species mixtures, taking into consideration the local conditions and the social and economic context in which farmers operate.
Several knowledge syntheses, new experimental and modelling studies have been carried out to determine how plant traits (e.g. root architecture and canopy morphology), cropping practices (e.g. plant density), and environment (availability of N, P and water, light quality) influence the performances of species mixtures as compared to sole crops for the capture of abiotic resources and the control of animal pests, diseases and weeds. Novel ideas and specific concepts were developed in order to support breeding for intercropping. To the extent possible, the project aimed to convert scientific results into practical tools and synthetic information disseminated not only to farmers, advisors, and other farming sector stakeholders, but also to policy makers.
Based on the findings and results of the project, a practical toolbox for achieving best practices in intercropping was assembled by the project team. It includes, for example, specific guidance on the proper settings for using combined harvesters during intercropping, an array of decision support tools, educational materials, an ecosystem services assessment tool, and an interactive intercropping game.
After the completion of the project in 2021, part of the consortium, under the leadership of CIRAD, became involved in a new project aiming at giving further continuity to the experimentation already started in ReMIX, and reaching further in the value chain, broadening its activities to 13 co-innovation case studies in Europe and Africa. The EU-funded IntercropVALUES project started in November 2022, with the aim of designing intercropping systems that can be managed in ways that ensure productivity and profitability along the entire agrifood chain.
