Diversity in the Field — The Wisdom of Intercropping
On May 26,2024 while spending time at college room, I decided to try something new in our college agronomy farm: Intercropping . I had often read about how farmers grow multiple crops together to use land and resources wisely, but this time I wanted to experience it myself to learn by doing. I was also inspired by our senior who had already done such practices in the past. With guidance from my friends and seniors, I chose to grow Maize and Beans together. Maize seeds were sown in rows, and climbing bean seeds were planted between them. I had learned that maize would support the beans as they climbed, while beans would enrich the soil with nitrogen. I maintained proper spacing and used only homemade compost. Within days, tiny green shoots began appearing. Early seedlings of maize and beans in my tray — the beginning of intercropping. As the weeks passed, I noticed the maize standing tall while the bean vines curled around their stems. They grew in perfect coordination...
