This paper tries to illustrate how beneficial interactions between crops can be
exploited to increase the overall output of a cropping system. Growth studies with
sorghum/pigeonpea and millet/groundnut are described to show how intercropping
systems can achieve much larger yields than sole crops by using environmental resources
more fully over time or more efficiently in space. Data from moisture stress studies are
presented to illustrate that these advantages of intercropping can be even greater under
stress conditions.
Possible nitrogen benefits from legumes in intercropping systems are discussed with
particular reference to a study on maize/groundnut. Weed, pest and disease control are
considered and some effects of a sorghum intercrop on the incidence of pod borer and wilt
disease in pigeonpea are described. Evidence for improved yield stability in intercropping
systems is provided from a review of 94 experiments on sorghum/pigeonpea.
It is emphasized that intercropping is especially beneficial to the small farmer in the
low-input/high-risk environment of the developing areas of the world but some brief
comments are made on its applicability in more developed conditions
