The continuous planting of trees with other crop and livestock increase on the productivity of the land area.
As intercropping perenial crops lead to higher yield and better economic viability, the initial investments are higher and crops are more resilient with longer productivity. However, there is increased and more balanced incomes throughout the year.
Deforestation commitment
With improvement on soil health and productivity in a long run due to intercropping, tree roots protect from soil erosion and trees support water infiltration and water holding capacity of the soils as well. Trees reduces on evapotranspiration and improve micro climate in plantation as leguminous plants reduce fertilizer needs as they fix nitrogen needs for other crops.
Similarly, bio diverse cocoa and coffee system have more pollinators however if planting density is too high, resulting area humidity lead to more fungal diseases. Increased complexity of intercropping require higher initial workers, skills and ability to evolve.
Mitigating climate change needs joint effort to enhance small farming practices and reducing deforestation. Finally, integrate intercropping and functionally connect intensive land use with areas of high ecological value.
