As farmers around the world face increasing pressure from soil degradation, climate change and rising input costs, interest is growing in sustainable farming systems that can improve resilience while reducing environmental impacts. These challenges and opportunities were at the centre of a two-day LEGUMINOSE workshop hosted by Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), Pakistan, on 28–29 April 2026. Titled “Agricultural Sustainability and Soil Multifunctionality in Legume-Cereal Intercropping,” the workshop brought together researchers, scientists, faculty members and students to exchange knowledge on sustainable farming in Pakistan.
The workshop focused on how legume-cereal intercropping systems can contribute to more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices, particularly in regions facing soil degradation, declining nutrient-use efficiency and increasing environmental pressures.
Participants from several Pakistani institutions attended the event, including Ayub Agricultural Research Institute Faisalabad, the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, the University of Agriculture Peshawar and the University of Punjab Lahore. In total, the workshop engaged more than 160 participants, with strong involvement from students and early-career researchers.
Exploring sustainable farming practices through intercropping systems
Throughout the workshop, discussions highlighted the potential of legume-cereal intercropping systems to improve soil physicochemical properties, support nutrient cycling and enhance soil biological activity. Participants also discussed the role of intercropping in soil organic carbon sequestration and the development of more resource-efficient farming systems.
Speakers highlighted how legumes can help reduce dependence on synthetic nitrogen fertilisers through biological nitrogen fixation and improved nutrient uptake efficiency. These themes closely align with the broader goals of the LEGUMINOSE project to support resilient and environmentally sustainable farming systems.
The discussions also emphasised the importance of climate-smart agricultural practices for semi-arid regions, where intercropping systems could help agroecosystems adapt to changing climatic conditions.
International collaboration and scientific exchange
The event featured contributions from international experts working on soil ecology and sustainable agriculture.
- Norman Gentsch from Leibniz University Hannover, Germany, presented research on microbial-mediated element cycling within intercropping systems, highlighting the importance of soil microorganisms for nutrient dynamics and ecosystem functioning.
- Shamina Imran Pathan from the University of Florence, Italy, shared insights into the role of soil microbiota in supporting soil multifunctionality and agronomic productivity in legume-cereal systems.
These contributions strengthened scientific exchange between European and Pakistani institutions and created opportunities for further international collaboration within the field of sustainable agriculture.
Capacity building for sustainable farming in Pakistan
Alongside expert presentations, the workshop included student-led research presentations that encouraged scientific discussion and provided valuable experience for early-career researchers in agricultural and environmental sciences.
By bringing together researchers across disciplines and career stages, the workshop created an important platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building around sustainable soil and crop management approaches.
The event was organised under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Riaz at GCUF as part of the broader activities of the LEGUMINOSE project to promote sustainable intercropping systems and strengthen international cooperation in agricultural research.
