Question

Define intercropping. How does it differ with mixed cropping?

Answer 1

Intercropping is a method of growing two or more crops simultaneously in a definite pattern of rows in the same field. Its main aim is to increase the productivity per unit area. It is an improved version of mixed cropping.

Difference between mixed cropping and intercropping:

Mixed Cropping	Intercropping
1. It aims to minimise risk of crop failure	1. It aims to increase productivity per unit area.
2. Seeds of two crops are mixed before sowing	2. Seeds of two crops are not mixed.
3. It involves no set pattern of rows of crops.	3. It involves set patterns of rows of crops
4. In this method there is a difficulty of fertilizer application to individual crops.	4. In intercropping fertilizer can be placed as per need of the crops.
5. Spraying for pest control to individual crop is difficult.	5. Pesticides can be easily applied to individual crop.
6. Harvesting and threshing of crops separately not possible.	6. Both crops can be easily harvested and threshed separately.
7. Marketing and consumption of only mixed produce is possible.	7. Product of each crop can be marketed and consumed separately.