Intercropping is an agricultural practice that involves growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land. This technique aims to optimize the use of resources such as light, water, and nutrients by leveraging the complementary growth habits of different plant species. Intercropping can enhance biodiversity, reduce pest and disease prevalence, and improve soil health. Common examples include pairing legumes with cereals, where legumes can fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the growth of the cereal crops. The practice is often utilized to increase crop yields per unit area and promote sustainable farming methods.
Intercropping, an ancient Maya farming technique, has emerged as a potential solution for growing crops on Mars, according to recent research conducted by Rebeca Gonçalves and her team at Wageningen…