Question

What are the advantages and disadvantages of inter cropping?

Answer 1

Advantage:

• If the main crop is damaged, the inter crop will be the life saviour of the farmer.
• The land exposed will be less, if an intercrop is added, there by reducing the weed growth.
• The run off can be reduced.
• Soil erosion can be decreased.

Disadavantage:
1. Yield decreases as the crops differ in their competitive abilities.
2. Management of I/c having different cultural practices seems to be difficult task.
3. Improved implements cannot be used efficiently.
4. Higher amount of fertilizer or irrigation water cannot be utilized properly as the component crops vary in their response of these resources.
5. Harvesting is difficult.