Background and aimsPhosphorus (P) limitation in semi-arid Mediterranean soils, driven by low organic matter, high pH, and strong fixation, severely constrains crop productivity. Methods A two-year field experiment (2020-2021 and 2021-2022) in southern Tunisia was conducted to evaluate the effects of durum wheat-chickpea intercropping on soil P availability, rhizosphere enzymatic activity, and plant P uptake. Treatments included durum wheat (DW) and chickpea (CK) monocultures and their intercrops (DWi, CKi).ResultsIntercropping increased total soil P significantly (DWi: 31.06 mg kg(-)1; CKi: 28.65 mg kg(-)1) compared with monocultures (DW: 17.63 mg kg(-)1; bulk soil: 9.14 mg kg(-)1). Olsen P increased by 52-54% in CKi and 10-15% in DWi, with additional increases during the second year. Biomass production improved substantially, with DWi shoots reaching 17.0-19.5 g m(-)2 (+ 102-114%) and CKi shoot P concentration increasing to 357-387 mg kg(-)1 (+ 65-83%). Root biomass also increased (DWi: 9.0-12.0 g m(-)2), while CKi roots accumulated 227-248 mg kg(-)1 P. The land equivalent ratio exceeded unity (1.75-1.78), indicating superior land-use efficiency. Acid phosphatase and phytase activities correlated positively with soil P, organic carbon, and biomass.ConclusionsDurum wheat-chickpea intercropping improved soil P dynamics, enzymatic activity, and plant productivity, representing a nutrient-efficient and sustainable approach for semi-arid Mediterranean agroecosystems.