Intercropping System : Theory and Practices

The book Intercropping System is an informative resource that presents the theory and practices of the intercropping system. This traditional cropping system involves the coexistence of two or more crops for a significant portion of their growth period. In light of the current negative impacts on crop productivity and soil fertility, a system approach to cropping has become increasingly relevant. The book is divided into nine chapters. The first two chapters provide an overview of the intercropping system and the complexity of the competitive relationship among component crops. The third chapter discusses the management options in intercropping systems, while the fourth chapter highlights the multifaceted benefits of this approach. Chapter 5 explores the suitability of the intercropping system for adoption in organic agriculture. The sixth chapter describes how an intercropping system can contribute to agricultural sustainability and several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Chapter 7 presents the practice of alley cropping, a form of agroforestry, in resource-poor conditions. The eighth chapter discusses the benefits of including legumes as components in the intercropping system. Finally, the ninth chapter examines the performance of important crops in the intercropping system.