Advantages of intercropping fall into three basic categories.

First, an intercrop may use resources

of light, water, and nutrients more efficiently than single crops planted in separate areas, and
this can improve yields and income. Second, crop mixtures frequently have lower pest densities,
especially of insect pests. This occurs both because the mixture confuses the insects and, if the
mixture is chosen carefully, because the mixture attracts beneficial predators. Finally,
intercropping may allow more effective management of cover crops.

 Instructions of intercropping

Example: Leguminous and non- leguminous plant

1) Strip cropping: In the same season you plant two or more rows of leguminous plant
with those of non-leguminous plant.
2) Row cropping: In the same season you plant one row of leguminous plant with one
row of non-leguminous plant.
3) Relay cropping: In this intercropping you can plant leguminous plant before, and
after it reaches to the reproductive stage you add non-leguminous plant, in their
respective rows.
4) Mixed cropping: In the same season you plant leguminous and non-leguminous plant
mixed with no distinct row arrangement.