For example, it was found that beans are not ideally suited for intercropping in semi-arid climates and that cowpeas fix more nitrogen in the soil in such areas. Green manure can be cultivated after harvesting maize, rice, or other cereal crops. Cultivation of green manure has been an important fertility management practice, but it does not seem to be acceptable in some areas, e.g., Nepal. To make it more effective, green manure should be incorporated into soils. Cultivation of green manure, such as alfalfa, is very beneficial on such land.
Green manure can improve soil fertility considerably and provide fodder for livestock.
Another idea is to plant some woody NFPs on the fallow land. Soil fertility can be improved in three ways in this system. First, pruning of hedgerows provides nitrogen and organic matter as well as phosphorus, potassium, and other micro-nutrients. Second, contour hedgerows can add nitrogen from the decaying roots and nodules on them. To meet the needs of the world's expanding population, an ever-increasing production of food crops will be necessary.