Intercropping in Southern NSW

Investigating practical opportunities for intercropping in Southern NSW farming systems

Project Funder: GRDC
Project Code: FLR2606-001RTX
Duration: 2026–2028
Locations: Temora and Marrar, NSW

Why Intercropping?

Intercropping, where two or more crop species are grown together in the same paddock, has been identified as a promising strategy for improving the productivity, resilience and sustainability of Australian grain farming systems.

Research and grower experience suggest intercropping can deliver a range of benefits, including:

  • Improved use of water, nutrients and sunlight

  • Increased groundcover and soil protection

  • Reduced production risk

  • Improved rotational diversity

  • Enhanced nitrogen cycling through legume inclusion

  • Greater resilience in challenging seasons

Despite its potential, intercropping remains relatively uncommon in Southern NSW. Many growers are interested in the concept but want local evidence showing how these systems perform under commercial conditions and what management challenges need to be considered.

About the Project

This three-year project will generate practical, locally relevant information to help growers better understand where intercropping can add value within their farming systems.

Working with experienced intercropping growers, FarmLink will establish demonstration sites and replicated field trials comparing traditional monoculture crops with intercropping combinations, such as cereals and legumes.

The focus is on practical outcomes that matter to growers, including productivity, risk, nitrogen dynamics, crop management and harvest performance.

What We’ll Measure

The project will evaluate:

  • Crop establishment and development

  • Plant populations and growth stages

  • Disease and weed interactions

  • Grain yield and harvest outcomes

  • Nitrogen contributions from legume components

  • Practical management considerations and risks

Building Local Knowledge

A key aim of the project is to improve grower confidence and understanding of intercropping through local demonstrations, discussion and shared learning.

Activities will include:

  • On-farm demonstration sites

  • Field walks and grower events

  • Trial results and technical reports

  • Factsheets and extension resources

  • FarmLink communications and social media updates

  • Presentations at industry forums and GRDC events

Project Outcome

By 2028, the project aims to equip Southern NSW growers and advisers with the knowledge, local data and practical insights needed to make informed decisions about incorporating intercropping into their farming systems.

Through demonstration, discussion and locally generated evidence, this project will help identify where intercropping can improve profitability, resilience and sustainability in the Riverina.