Description
Living mulch is sown after the establishment of the main crop—or, in some cases, simultaneously—to suppress weed growth in the inter-row spaces.
Advantages
Undersown crops can act as living mulch, effectively preventing weed establishment and reducing overall weed pressure.
Integrating undersown crops provides a sustainable weed control method that supports both farm productivity and environmental stewardship.
This approach requires minimal financial investment beyond the cost of seed and labor, making it accessible for many farms.
Living mulch enhances ecosystem services by supporting pollinators and beneficial organisms, while also contributing to improved soil health.
Drawbacks
There is a risk that undersown species may become weeds themselves or facilitate the spread of problematic weed species.
If the method proves insufficiently effective, additional costs may be incurred to control weeds through alternative means.
Farmers unfamiliar with this technique may require additional training to implement it successfully.
Careful species selection is essential, as some undersown crops may host pathogens or attract pests that could harm the main crop or future plantings.
Technical Aspects
Technical readiness
There are no significant barriers to implementing this solution on any type of farm. It is already in use on many organic farms, demonstrating its practical feasibility.
Ease and efficiency of implementation
A critical factor for success is the careful selection of the undersown species. The chosen species must effectively compete with weeds without being overly competitive with the main crop. Proper timing of sowing is also essential to ensure both effectiveness and compatibility with crop management.
Need for training and education
Training is necessary to guide farmers in selecting appropriate plant species or mixtures and in determining the optimal sowing time for their specific context.
Need for investments
If a farm already has the necessary equipment, this method requires only a modest investment—typically the cost of seed (approximately €50–€100 per hectare). However, if a farm needs to acquire a seeder suitable for different seed sizes, the investment may range from €20,000 to €150,000 depending on the machinery.
Policy Recommendations
The use of living mulch can be promoted through various policy instruments, such as compensation for profit loss in cases where grain yields are reduced. Support for demonstration trials, advisory services, and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange will help build farmer confidence and technical capacity.
Encouraging cooperation among farmers—for example, through shared use of sowing machinery and infrastructure—can reduce costs and facilitate broader adoption of this practice.