Photo: Internet
Intercalated crops are systems in which two or more species of plants are planted on the same land to result in a complementation. These interactions can have stimulating effects on yields. In San Antonio de los Baños, this technique is widely used mainly on fruit trees. Vegetables are combined with other products.
According to the director of Urban Agriculture in the Ariguanabo, Yaima Hernández Jaime, this form of cultivation is applied by the different productive forms of the territory. Among the most outstanding is the Jesus Menéndez Credits and Services Cooperative where 10 associate producers work and has about 22 species on more than 20 hectares of land.
On the other hand, Hernández Jaime said: "The main task is to plant species of few specimens, among which are anon, cherimoya, guanabana and lemon. To achieve the combination of fruit trees with other crop species, we take into account the length of the vegetative cycle, growth habits and biological efficiency of each.''
Referring to the advantages of using intercalated crops, the official emphasized that soil nutrients are used better, productivity is improved and the producer brings profit. It also allows the use of space and time and improves the agro-ecosystem in general.
