Intercropping legumes with upland rice can help increase nitrogen availability to the rice plants. By planting certain types of legumes alongside rice, the soil and space available for rice growth can be improved after the legumes are removed. Indeterminate cowpea and lablab varieties can supply nitrogen to rice when used as green leaf manure, leading to maintained rice yields and increased nitrogen uptake. The legumes can also yield additional grain and biomass, further enhancing the overall productivity of the cropping system. This approach shows promise for improving the sustainable yield of upland rice in low-input conditions.