INTERCROPPING: FEED MORE PEOPLE AND BUILD MORE SUSTAINABLE AGROECOSYSTEMS

Abstract

Intercropping is a traditional farming system that increases crop diversity to strengthen agroecosystem functions while decreasing chemical inputs andminimizing negative environmental effects of crop production. Intercropping iscurrently considerable interest because of its importance in sustainableagriculture. Here, we synthesize the factors that make intercropping asustainable means of food production by integrating biodiversity of naturalecosystems and crop diversity. In addition to well-known yield increases,intercropping can also increase yield stability over the long term and increasesystemic resistance to plant diseases, pests and other unfavorable factors (e.g.,nutrient deficiencies). The efficient use of resources can save mineral fertilizerinputs, reduce environmental pollution risks and greenhouse gas emissionscaused by agriculture, thus mitigating global climate change. Intercroppingpotentially increases above and belowground biodiversity of various taxa atfield scale, consequently it enhances ecosystem services. Complementarity andselection effects allow a better understanding the mechanisms behind enhancedecosystem functioning. The development of mechanization is essential for largescaleapplication of intercropping. Agroecosystem multifunctionality and soilhealth should be priority topics in future research on intercropping