Published Jun 28, 2024
Intercropping is a farming practice in which a farmer cultivates two or more crops simultaneously in the same field, carefully considering their compatibility and growth habits. Let’s discuss its benefits on the next slide:
Intercropping can confuse pests by hiding the smell or appearance of host crops. When surrounded by different plants, pests find it harder to locate their preferred plants. This disruption affects their feeding and breeding patterns.
Intercropping makes soil healthier by recycling nutrients better and stopping soil from washing away. It also helps by stopping weeds from growing and by increasing good bacteria and other tiny organisms in the soil.
Establishing orchards demands patience as trees mature for fruit-bearing. Intercropping with fast-growing crops (leafy vegetables, herbs, pulses) offers added revenue early on, easing financial strain.
Intercropping combines crops with diverse root structures. Deep-rooted plants play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion, particularly in regions susceptible to heavy rainfall or wind.
Intercropping supports biodiversity by creating varied habitats for beneficial insects and organisms. This enhances ecological balance and helps in reducing pest and disease outbreaks naturally.