What is the primary purpose of strip cropping?

The primary purpose of strip cropping is to grow two crops in alternate strips in the same field. This agricultural practice involves planting different crops in specific patterns to enhance soil health, reduce erosion, and improve water retention. By alternating crops in strips, farmers can take advantage of the benefits that different plants provide. For instance, one crop might help suppress weeds while another might enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.

Additionally, this method increases biodiversity in the cropping system, which can lead to improved pest management and reduced reliance on chemical pesticides. Strip cropping can thus be a sustainable strategy that promotes both ecological balance and agricultural productivity. This approach contrasts greatly with cultivating a single crop over a large area, which can lead to increased vulnerability to pests and diseases and greater soil erosion. While pest management and fertilizer usage may be affected by strip cropping, they are secondary benefits rather than the primary purpose of the practice.