Intercropping
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[edit] Introduction
Intercropping is where two or more varieties of plant are grown close to each other. This allows a greater density of plants, which can each take up different nutrients from a well kept soil.
Intercropping a pungent crop or a brightly coloured one can repel pests, sometimes intercroppping certain plants can be used as "bait" attracting a pest away from the vegetable that is being grown
This page lists a number of intercops that have been used in practice. Please add to the list below:
[edit] Common Plants to use in Intercropping
- Onions and cabbage are a common intercrop plant as their strong scent can repel pests
- Marigold with ground nuts and peas (colour, smell repels pests)
- Coriander (smell)
- Other herbs (smell)
- Mint plant (smell)
[edit] Good Intercrop Combinations
- Garlic around fruit trees - Repels Borers
- Garlic around tomatoes - Repels red spider mites
See http://vegetablegardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/organic_pest_control_and_pesticide
- Traditional practice of planting garlic bulbs under Roses to repel pests
[edit] See also
- Pests and disease control
- Organic pesticide recipes - Often the plants that are used in organic pesticides can also be intercropped to have a similar repellent efect
- Abstract of paper on comparing inter-cropping systems in Nigeria
- Abstract of paper - Intercropping improves land-use efficiency
[edit] Links
Intercropping Principals and Production Practices (pdf) from National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA)
