intercrops

/ˈɪntərˌkrɑps/
noun
  1. A crop that is grown between or among the rows of another crop.
    • The intercrop of basil among the tomatoes helped repel certain pests.
    • The farmer planted radishes as an intercrop between the rows of cabbage.
    • Using a legume as an intercrop can add nitrogen to the soil for the main crop.
verb
  1. To grow two or more crops together in the same field at the same time, usually in alternating rows or patterns.
    • The gardener intercrops lettuce between tomato plants to make the most of the garden space.
    • They intercrops wheat and clover to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
    • Many small farmers intercrops beans with corn to improve soil fertility.
Synonyms