Crops intercropping systems

Baumann, D.T., Bastiaans, L and Kropff, M.J. 2001. Competition and crop performance in a leek-celery intercropping system. Crop Science 41(3) 764-774. 

Research of allelopathic interference is necessary in the design of agroecosystems in order to lessen dependence on petrochemical-based pesticides. The intercropping of non-crop species into crop systems offers alternatives for the design of more diverse and sustainable agroecosystems. 

Perennial farming systems with tree, bush or vine crops also provide niches for short and longer term intercropping. In addition to the use of cover crops on the orchard floor of many crops including apples (Hartley ef al. 2000) and wine grapes (Bugg ef al. 1996), plantings of commercially and environmentally valuable species within or around the orchard have also been used for pollination, disease and pest control (Finckh and Wolfe 1998, Altieri 1999) in crops such as such as leeks (Baumann ef al. 2001) and carrots (Brandsseter and Riley 2002). 

Chikoye, D., Ekeleme, F. and Udensi, U.E. 2001. Cogongrass suppression by intercropping cover crops in corn/cassava systems. Weed Science 49 658-667. 

Between the rows (in the alleyway) it may be possible to intercrop permanently with pasture (sheep), beans or other crops. However, this may be difficult in the case of older plantations where the trees are adapted to a certain type of management in such cases, a step-by-step procedure is recommended (introduction of new crops and elements at yearly intervals), to allow the root systems of the citrus trees to adapt to new competition in the soil. For larger, mechanized organic farms it may be difficult to continue intercropping as soon as the newly planted citrus trees are in production. In such cases, cover crops may be more appropriate in order to avoid disturbances in citrus management. 

Organic cotton production is the only farming system by which cotton is produced entirely free of chemical pesticides - and thereby without the risks that such chemicals pose to human health and the environment. Organic cotton production represents an alternative farming system within which natural predator populations are nurtured within cotton production zones, and measures such as intercropping and crop rotation are used to halt the development of cotton pest populations ... 

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