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Research on the Effect of Diversified Cropping on Crop Quality: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Hong Fan

    (State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Rong Miao

    (State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Congcong Guo

    (State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Xiaoyuan Bao

    (State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Wei He

    (State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Yali Sun

    (State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Cai Zhao

    (State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

Abstract

Diversified cropping, as a crucial measure in modern ecological agriculture, promotes the intensification, industrialization, and diversification of agricultural production. By addressing region-specific and environmental challenges, the development of diversified cropping systems (DCS) tailored to local conditions can achieve the dual goals of improving crop quality and ensuring food security. However, existing crop quality improvement research primarily focuses on molecular techniques, with limited exploration of cropping practices. This review aims to systematically and comprehensively examine the concept, classification, and significance of diversified cropping. It highlights the critical roles and mechanisms of various cropping systems, such as intercropping, crop rotation, relay cropping, and multiple cropping, in enhancing crop quality. Furthermore, the review discusses the limitations and challenges of diversified cropping and offers suggestions for its improvement and application to advance research in this field. By proposing a scientific framework linking DCS with crop quality improvement, this review contributes to the formulation of evidence-based agricultural strategies to meet the growing demand for high-quality food, maintain environmental health, and promote long-term agricultural sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Hong Fan & Rong Miao & Congcong Guo & Xiaoyuan Bao & Wei He & Yali Sun & Cai Zhao, 2025. "Research on the Effect of Diversified Cropping on Crop Quality: A Review," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:5:p:456-:d:1595981
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yuzhu Zou & Zhenshan Liu & Yan Chen & Yin Wang & Shijing Feng, 2024. "Crop Rotation and Diversification in China: Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture and Resilience," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-14, August.
    2. Vaibhav Pradip Chaudhary & Bhim Bahadur Ghaley, 2025. "Insights into Beneficial Effects of an Agroforestry System on Soil Properties and Crop Yields: A Case Study from the Experimental Farm at University of Copenhagen, Denmark," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-16, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marta K. Kostrzewska & Magdalena Jastrzębska, 2025. "The Grain Protein Content of Polish Cereals Other than Wheat: Can It Be Increased by Combining a Crop Sequence System, Cultivar Selection, and Plant Protection?," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-22, May.

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