Influence of Companion Crops on the Microclimate of Young Raspberry
(Rubus idaeus L.) Plantations

Vlăduț Loredan Holt, Mihaela Olaru, Alexandra Maria Bardoș Marțiș,
Maria-Marinela Dragnea, Ailin Moloșag, Mihaela-Cecilia Dogaru

Research and Development Station for Fruit Tree Growing Băneasa

Keywords: Rubus idaeus, microclimate, companion crop, shelterbelt, agroecology.

Abstract: The research aims to evaluate the influence of companion crops on microclimate stabilization and protection in young raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) plantations under current climate change conditions. During the early stages of vegetation, raspberry plants are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, dry winds, and intense solar radiation factors that can affect plant establishment and the uniform shoot development.
International studies on alley cropping systems have demonstrated that introducing annual crops between the rows of perennial crops can significantly improve the local microclimate conditions and enhance overall land-use efficiency.
The research will be carried out at the Moara Domnească Experimental Base of the Research and Development Station for Fruit Tree Growing Băneasa (RSFG Băneasa), where companion crops acting as temporary vegetative barriers such as maize (Zea mays L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) will be tested.
These crops will be established near the raspberry rows, aiming to create a more balanced microclimate characterized by moderated temperatures, higher relative humidity, and reduced wind speed. Such microclimatic adjustments have beneficial effects on the plant’s physiological processes, stimulating photosynthesis, reducing water stress, and supporting vigorous vegetative growth.
The implementation of these biological protection systems represents a sustainable alternative to conventional mechanical methods, offering additional advantages such as improved soil structure, increased biodiversity, and enhanced plantation resilience.
The ultimate goal of the research is to identify sustainable agroecological solutions that contribute to microclimate stabilization, reduction of climatic risks, and increased adaptability of berry plantations to changing environmental conditions.