Intercropping in the Tropics: Advantages and Relevance to the Small Farmer
| Autor: | Bernard J. R. Philogène, J. Thor Arnason, John D.H. Lambert, Noel Govinden |
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| Rok vydání: | 1984 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | Canadian Journal of Development Studies / Revue canadienne d'études du développement. 5:213-232 |
| ISSN: | 2158-9100 0225-5189 |
| Popis: | The practice of intercropping, the growing of two or more crops simultaneously in the same field is reviewed in this article. Intercropping, which developed as a traditional agriculture practice of small farmers of the tropics, has proved to be a highly beneficial practice in modern controlled studies. Substantial yield advantages of 30 to 60% over monocrops are obtained for many combinations. The authors examine the origin of the yield increases in relation to the partitioning of resources (light, minerals and water) in time and space, as well as other agronomic advantages of the practice: reduction in pest problems, greater yield stability and erosion control. Some of the disadvantages and problems associated with intercropping, such as the selection of suitable compatible crops and mechanisation, are also mentioned. The socio-economic implications of intercropping are discussed in relation to farm labour, capital and economic development. Finally the future and research needs in intercropping ... |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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