In agricultural production , there are many planting patterns, and different patterns bring different economic benefits. In recent years, intercropping has become very popular. So what exactly does intercropping mean? Let's find out below.
What does intercropping mean?
Intercropping refers to planting different types of crops at different times. Specifically, it is an agricultural production model in which different types of crops are planted on the same land according to a certain ratio of row spacing, plant spacing, and land area. The coexistence period of intercropped crops is relatively short, generally not exceeding half of the total growth period of the intercropped crops.
What are the benefits of intercropping?
1. Improve soil
Intercropping different crops can take full advantage of the different soil nutrient requirements of various crops, effectively reduce soil salinity, and adjust soil acidity. It can also allow crop straw to be returned to the field, increasing soil organic matter.
2. Reduce pests and diseases
Proper intercropping can suppress the occurrence of pests and diseases. Intercropping increases the biodiversity and trophic structure of the ecosystem, which can provide ecosystem stability and reduce disease occurrence.
3. Increase income through off-season
Intercropping can make full use of the growing season, resulting in multiple harvests per season and high yields and efficiency. In areas with one crop per year, promoting intercropping can achieve two crops per year or five crops in two years. In areas with two crops per year, promoting intercropping can achieve three crops per year or no crops for two years.
4. Properly formulate
Intercropping employs a rational configuration of crop populations, creating layers of crops of varying heights and alternating rows. This improves ventilation and light penetration, increases light energy utilization, and fully leverages the advantages of edge rows to increase yields.
5. Prevent drought
Intercropping also has other functions such as preventing drought.
6. Conserve land resources
Intercropping utilizes the gaps in vegetable planting and allows for the rational planning of planting multiple types of vegetables in one plot of land, thus making effective use of land resources.
