WHAT IS INTERCROPPING?
Intercropping has many forms and has been used in both hay and crop production. In crop production it is important to note that this is considered mixed grain intercropping. A few key components are needed to make intercropping successful. The two species chosen should have varying seed sizes, a small seed works well with a larger seeded crop. The two species should have similar growth patterns so they can be seeded together. The two species should also be similar in maturity so that harvest can be accomplished in one pass.
WHY WOULD WE INTERCROP?
Intercropping has the potential to increase field and crop efficiency. One of the common metrics used to measure the success of intercropping is LER, or Land Equivalency Ratio. There is a video below where LER is illustrated to help with the understanding of the concept. It is important to note that while this is a good measurement for intercropping, it should not be the only measurement used to measure success. This number will help identify the overall production value of the intercrop mix, but it can miss some of the other successes of an intercropped system. One should also look at the overall economic value of intercropping and how the combination of two crops can spread out marketing risks and economic success. LER gives a good starting point for looking at intercropping.
Intercropping has also been shown to be able to reduce inputs. Input costs are one of the worst enemies of a farmer. Increased input costs make it more difficult for a farmer to earn a profit, so, any chance to reduce input costs can be considered a win-win for farmers. Some research has shown that fertilizer rates can be reduced when field pea and canola are intercropped together. Other research has shown that fungicide may be able to be reduced on chickpea when intercropped with flax.
Risk can also be spread out or reduced when intercropping is used. If a field has history with disease issues that make growing a certain crop tough, then the use of intercropping can be used to mitigate the risk of no plants of that particular species emerging. There are several interactions going on below the soil surface that we do not fully understand. These interactions allow for improved microbial populations and diversity.
Watch this video to understand LER and the importance to Intercropping.