Intercropping is a time-honored farming practice that involves planting two or more crops near each other on the same site. The plants can be grown simultaneously or planted after the other has already been established. This method has been used by growers all over the world for centuries to increase crop yield, minimize pest and disease issues, and optimize land usage.
The technique of growing crops together in a symbiotic relationship, known as the “three sisters,” has been used for centuries by ancient civilizations like the Mayans, who grew corn, beans, and squash. Farmers have also used this method in Africa for crops such as maize, sorghum, and millet, alongside legumes like beans and groundnuts. Similarly, Asian farmers have been practicing this technique for centuries, combining rice and legumes in their crops. So it’s not news that intercropping and field productivity are connected.
Smallholder farmers in developing countries rely heavily on this method due to the limited resources. It helps to provide a food source and income for communities in India, China, and sub-Saharan Africa.
In addition, it is frequently likened to monoculture, which involves cultivating a single crop over a vast area. It is the primary farming method in developed countries, where farmers apply synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and machines to boost production. However, monoculture can harm soil fertility, biodiversity, and the ecosystem and result in excessive reliance on external resources.
Intercropping Pros & Cons
Intercropping is a farming method that offers several benefits. It can increase crop yields by enabling crops to use resources more efficiently. Additionally, farmers can diversify their crop systems, reducing the risk of crop failure due to pests, diseases, or adverse weather conditions.
This sustainable farming method helps to improve soil health by reducing erosion, nutrient depletion, and soil-borne diseases. It also promotes efficient use of resources and reduces weed growth.
Moreover, it provides a more stable income for farmers and reduces input costs. Intercropping is an environmentally friendly agricultural practice that can help promote long-term food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. It is an excellent option for farmers looking to adapt to climate change.
The given practice also has several drawbacks. Intercropping can be tricky when combining different crops with diverse needs. If not done carefully, it can lead to reduced yields, competition for resources, and pest and disease challenges.
Despite the benefits of intercropping, it can be quite difficult and time-consuming because of varying harvest times and methods. It can also lead to lower profits and require more labor than monoculture systems.
Types of Intercropping
In addition to information about what intercropping is, it is also essential to know its types to choose the best option.
- Row intercropping is the most common method for placing plants in a straight line based on nutrient requirements. Crops such as maize and soybean are typically planted in rows, with the number of rows allocated to each crop varying, such as 6 for legumes and 4 for cereals in 10 rows.
- Strip intercropping is an improved version of row intercropping that is commonly used in large-scale farming. It requires a significant amount of land to operate machinery. Compared to traditional row intercropping, strip intercropping uses wider strips that allow for more efficient use of modern machinery on each crop.
- Relay intercropping is like a relay race for plants. In this practice, several crops are grown on the same plot at different times. It is done so that the sowing and harvesting of the first crop occurs before the second crop is grown. Thus, for example, cotton and corn can be produced.
- Alley cropping involves planting more minor crops among larger ones to protect against unfavorable conditions. It also reduces security risks by eliminating potential hideouts for kidnappers and terrorists.
- Temporal intercropping involves planting multiple crops with different growth durations. Farmers can benefit from the varying maturity rates by combining annual and biennial crops. Quick-growing plants can be harvested earlier while slower-growing plants have more space and nutrients to grow well.
- Mixed intercropping application means that two or more crops are planted in the same area without being arranged in rows or strips. Usually, crops with similar growth durations are chosen and harvested simultaneously. It helps growers to protect fields against pests, erosion, winds, and unfavorable weather conditions.
- Trap cropping involves planting decoy crops alongside real crops to lure pests away from the central plants. It helps protect valuable cash crops and reduces pesticide expenses for farmers. It’s a win-win situation for both farmers and the environment.
Intercropping & Mixed Cropping
When practicing intercropping, seeds are planted in separate rows, and it is crucial to follow a specific sequence. Mixed cropping does not require a particular sequence. In intercropping, seeds are not mixed before sowing; in mixed cropping, they are thoroughly combined.
Mixed cropping involves using the same fertilizer and pesticide for all crops while intercropping requires specific substances for each crop. The first is used to minimize the risk of crop failure due to unfavorable weather conditions while the second helps to increase crop productivity.
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EOSDA Crop Monitoring in Intercropping
EOSDA Crop Monitoring is an online platform for precision agriculture that utilizes satellite imagery. It is created by EOS Data Analytics, a global provider of AI-powered satellite imagery analytics. The platform offers a comprehensive solution that integrates various data types, such as crop health, weather conditions, crop rotation, and field activities. It’s an all-in-one solution that makes field monitoring and management more effortless and helps to make effective data-based decisions on time.
Despite intercropping benefits, it also comes with some challenges that need to be addressed, such as competition, allelopathy, and pest control. Achieving precise control of plant interaction can be difficult and time-consuming for humans. However, the satellite-based EOSDA Crop Monitoring software can provide valuable information on the overall crop health in the field.
Monitoring the growth stages and detecting anomalies in crops is made possible through the use of vegetation indices calculation. Each crop has specific values at different phenological stages, which allow farmers to make informed agricultural decisions. For example, a high NDVI index is expected during the flowering stage of a sunflower. If the index is low, it may indicate a problem and the area should be inspected.
