intercrop

American  

[in-ter-krop, in-ter-krop] / ˌɪn tərˈkrɒp, ˈɪn tərˌkrɒp /

verb (used without object)

intercropped, intercropping

1. to grow one crop between the rows of another, as in an orchard or field.

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verb (used with object)

intercropped, intercropping

1. to grow a crop between the rows of.

noun

1. a crop plant growing between plants of a different crop.

intercrop British  

/ ˌɪntəˈkrɒp /

noun

1. a crop grown between the rows of another crop

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verb

1. to grow (one crop) between the rows of (another)

Etymology

Origin of intercrop

First recorded in 1895–1900; inter- + crop

Explanation

People who want to get the most possible gardening done in a small plot of land might choose to intercrop. This is when you plant multiple crops in the same space, often in alternating rows. There are different ways to intercrop. Over different parts of North America, indigenous people plant corn and beans together in mounds and then, between the mounds, plant squash. Along with very slow-growing plants like fruit trees, you can plant fast-growing plants like leafy greens, harvesting the greens while waiting for the fruit trees to mature. These techniques help grow more food in less space, and can also be good for the soil's health. An intercrop is also what we call a crop that is grown between rows of another crop.

Example Sentences

Cultivation programs vary according to the intercrop grown.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Incorporated 39th Annual Report at Norris, Tenn. September 13-15 1948 by Northern Nut Growers Association