Optimizing Microclimate for Maize–Mushroom Intercropping Under Semi-Arid Conditions: A Climate-Smart Farming Approach

Abstract

Agriculture in semi-arid regions faces increasing challenges from temperature extremes and moisture stress, necessitating climate-smart and resource-efficient production systems. This study examined maize–mushroom intercropping as a climate-smart strategy for semi-arid regions. Field experiments conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University evaluated four maize planting geometries, with and without mulch, in 2022. Results showed that close-maize spacing (45 × 25 cm) with mulch moderated temperature, increased humidity, and improved mushroom yield and biological efficiency. The treatment achieved a land equivalent ratio above one, indicating superior land use efficiency. Optimal microclimatic conditions (26–33 ^◦C; 80–98% RH) enhanced paddy straw mushroom growth, demonstrating that simple field-level modifications can stabilize microclimate and promote resilient farming in semi-arid ecosystems.