Growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same field in a definite pattern is known as

🔑 Key Points
Intercropping
→ It is the cropping system of growing two or more crops together at the same time in the same space in a beneficial manner with specific spacing.
→ It is the multiple cropping practice that involves growing two or more crops in proximity.

📍 Important Points
Advantage of Intercropping
→ It gives additional yield and income/unit area than sole cropping.
→ Inter-crops maintain soil fertility as the nutrient uptake is made from both layers of soil.
→ It helps in the reduction of soil runoff and controls weeds.
→ It provides shade and support to the other crop.
→ This cropping system utilizes resources efficiently, and their productivity is increased.

📝 Additional Information
Types of Intercropping Systems:
Mixed Intercropping:
→ Growing two or more crops simultaneously with no distinct row arrangement.

Row Intercropping:
→ Growing two or more crops simultaneously where one or more crops are planted in rows.

Strip Inter-cropping:
→ Growing two or more crops simultaneously in different strips wide enough for independent cultivation but narrow enough for the crops to interact ergonomically.

Relay Inter-cropping:
→ Growing two or more crops simultaneously during part of the life cycle of each.
→ A second crop is planted after the first crop has reached its reproductive stage but before it is ready for harvest.