Intercropping is a method of growing two or more crops simultaneously in a definite pattern of rows in the same field. Its main aim is to increase the productivity per unit area. It is an improved version of mixed cropping.

Difference between mixed cropping and intercropping:

Mixed Cropping

1. It aims to minimise risk of crop failure.

2. Seeds of two crops are mixed before sowing.

3. It involves no set pattern of rows of crops.

4. In this method there is a difficulty of fertilizer application to individual crops.

5. Spraying for pest control to individual crop is difficult.

6. Harvesting and threshing of crops separately not possible.

7. Marketing and consumption of only mixed produce is possible.

Intercropping

1. It aims to increase productivity per unit area.

2. Seeds of two crops are not mixed.

3. It involves set patterns of rows of crops.

4. In intercropping fertilizer can be placed as per need of the crops.

5. Pesticides can be easily applied to individual crop.

6. Both crops can be easily harvested and threshed separately.

7. Product of each crop can be marketed and consumed separately.