Intercropping and Crop Rotation are alternative strategies applied in Multiple Cropping. Intercropping is a method of growing two or more crops together in proximity on the same land. Intercropping helps people in preventing pest and diseases to spread throughout the field and also increases soilfertility. There are four types of Inter-cropping:
1. Row Inter Cropping – Growing two or more crops at the same time with at least one crop planted in rows. Example: Annual crops such as rice, corn and pineapple are commonly grown as intercrop between the rows. Banana, Papaya, Coffee and Cacao are commonly grown in multiple rows.
2. Strip Inter Cropping – In this method two or more crops grow together in strips wide enough to allow separate production of crops using mechanical implements but close enough for the crops to interact. For Example: Wheat, Soybean and Corn
3. Mixed Inter Cropping – Growing two or more crops at the same time with no distinct row arrangement. For Example: Annual crops such as growing bean, corn and squash.
4. Relay Inter Cropping – Growing a second crop is planted into an existing crop when it has flowered but before harvesting. For Example: Cassava, Cotton and Sweet Potato