United by Science: ECOTWINS Presents a Joint Article by Ukrainian and International Researchers
We are pleased to announce the publication of a new scientific article, the result of collaboration between Ukrainian and international researchers within the framework of the ECOTWINS project. The paper was published in a Q1-ranked journal, Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, and focuses on the potential of biostimulants to enhance crop productivity in intercropping systems.
The study examined the effects of several biostimulants – including insect frass, compost tea, humic substances, seaweed extract, and fish hydrolysate – on the yield of pea and barley grown in sole and intercropped systems. The highest yield (7.08 t/ha) was achieved in a pea-barley intercrop treated with compost tea. While biostimulants had little effect on peas grown in monoculture, they significantly improved yields in intercropped peas, with humus extract and compost tea increasing yields by 61.9% and 45.4%, respectively. Barley in intercrops also showed increased yields, ranging from 4.72 to 5.57 t/ha, compared to 4.39 t/ha in untreated controls.
Additional improvements were observed in spike and seed parameters for both crops, indicating the stimulatory effect of biostimulants through anti-stress properties and enhanced rhizosphere activity – especially nitrogen fixation. Notably, the land equivalent ratio (LER) for the pea-barley intercrop system was consistently greater than 1.0, confirming its superiority over monoculture across the growing season.
This publication is a vivid example of effective international scientific collaboration and the growing contribution of Ukrainian researchers to solving global agricultural challenges. The ECOTWINS team extends heartfelt thanks to the project coordinator, Professor Oksana Tonkha, for her outstanding leadership, vision, and unwavering support that made this cooperation possible.
The ECOTWINS consortium remains committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices through innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence – with more impactful results to come.
Together for a sustainable future!