Plant Diversity Co.
intercropping
Collaboration vs. Competition
Click Image To Learn More About Intercropping For Cattle Farmers.
Click Image To Learn More About Intercropping For Grain Farmers.
Farmers Learning From Farmers
Benefits of Intercropping
1. Reduce nitrogen
Reduce nitrogen by utilizing rhizobium bacteria, the mycorrhizal fungal network & the decay/decomposition of legume roots and shoots.
Paynel, F., Lesuffleur, F., Bigot, J. et al. A study of 15N transfer between legumes and grasses. Agron. Sustain. Dev. 28, 281–290 (2008).
2. balance C:N Ratio
Vegetative legumes with high carbon cereals provide a balanced diet for microbial populations. This balanced diet promotes an environment in which soil micro-organisms can thrive.
Learn more about the importance of a balanced C:N ratio, here.
3. Extended grazing
Extend your grazing season. To learn more about ways in which plant diversity such as intercropping can bring an immediate ROI to the farm, click here.
Image: Corn/Hairy Vetch Intercrop