Driving sustainability in fruit-based cropping Systems: Intercropping impacts on growth, soil health, microbial dynamics and yield stability

Abstract

Monoculture practices in fruit orchards have resulted in critical issues such as soil degradation, nutrient depletion, biodiversity loss and reduced system resilience. Intercropping cereals and legumes within fruit-based systems presents a sustainable solution, enhancing both agroecosystem functionality and productivity. This integrative review compiles and synthesizes studies from 2000 to 2025 to evaluate the agronomic and ecological impacts of intercropping in fruit-based systems. This review critically examines the impact of intercropping on vegetative growth, reproductive performance, fruit yield and quality, soil physico-chemical properties, nutrient dynamics, microbial diversity, enzymatic activities and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal associations in fruit orchards. While focusing on cereal-legume intercropping, the review also compiles relevant studies involving other intercrops such as grasses, vegetables and medicinal plants to provide a comprehensive understanding of diverse intercropping models. Evidence demonstrates that intercropping enhances soil organic carbon sequestration, biological nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, potassium mobilization and improves exchangeable calcium and magnesium pools. Enhanced rhizosphere interactions stimulate soil microbial biomass, including beneficial bacteria, fungi and AM fungi, which contribute to nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Improved leaf nutrient indices, particularly for N, P, K and micronutrients, have been consistently observed under legume intercropping. These physiological enhancements translate into increased canopy volume, trunk girth, fruit set, fruit biochemical traits (total soluble solids, sugar-acid ratio, anthocyanins), and overall yield efficiency. Furthermore, intercropping systems significantly elevate key soil enzymatic activities such as dehydrogenase, phosphatase and cellulase, indicating superior soil biological functioning. While numerous benefits are documented, studies in perennial fruit crops remain limited compared to field crops, highlighting a significant research gap. This review identifies suitable crop combinations, underlying mechanisms and future research directions aimed at optimizing intercropping practices for soil health, orchard sustainability and climate resilience.