What is Inter-cropping
It is a multiple cropping practice, which involves growing two or more crops in same proximity. This can be achieve by planting Deep-rooted crop with a shallow-rooted crop OR Tall crop with a shorter crop that requires partial shade. Care must be taken that inter cropping plants are not competing for resources with each other (Companion Planting).
Why
- Higher yields
- Utilize maximum resources available
- Increase Bio-Diversity , help attracting natural predators for pest
Example
- Chili pepper with coffee
- Coconut with Maxican Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
- Sunflower with Soybeans
Can we say, Square foot gardening is implementation of Inter cropping for home gardeners? Share you views on this with us.
Happy Gardening!