3/4 - that's 75% of deforestation is due to agriculture. Main drivers are beef livestock (think of all that grazing), palm oil, soy, and logging. At Ada Lip Beauty sustainability is always top of mind. Where and how can we improve on these initiatives to thoughtfully source from the earth in a symbiotic way? Since our pigments are derived only from vegetables hence...agriculture, we only partner with suppliers that incorporate sustainable farming practices. One is intercropping. So what is intercropping and why is it important?

Intercropping is a farming technique that involves growing two or more crops in the same field that have symbiotic growth properties. For instance, cabbages are often ravaged by aphids (pests). When farmers grow (intercrop) cabbage with garlic and onions, the smell from garlic and onions will deter the pests (and vampires ;P ) thereby creating an efficient ecosystem. This technique is becoming increasingly popular in sustainable agriculture practices because it has numerous benefits for both the environment and the farmer. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of intercropping in sustainable farming practices.

1. Increases Biodiversity

One of the primary benefits of intercropping is that it promotes biodiversity. By growing different crops in the same field, farmers can create a more diverse ecosystem that supports a wider range of beneficial insects, microorganisms, and other wildlife. This can help to reduce the need for harmful pesticides and herbicides, as natural predators will help to control pest populations. This also improves the numerous populations of natural pollinators.

2. Improves Soil Health

Intercropping can also improve soil health by reducing erosion and increasing nutrient availability. When different crops are grown together, their root systems can complement each other, with some plants extracting nutrients from deeper in the soil while others contribute organic matter to the topsoil. This can help to prevent soil degradation and maintain soil fertility and structure.

3. Increases Crop Yield

Intercropping can also increase crop yield, as different crops can benefit from each other's growth. For example, legumes like beans and peas can fix nitrogen in the soil, which can be used by other crops like corn and wheat. This can help to reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, which can be expensive and harmful to the environment. This also increases the use of per square footage of land efficiency.

4. Enhances Resilience

Intercropping can also enhance the resilience of farming systems by reducing the risk of crop failure. If a single crop is affected by disease or pests, intercropping can provide a buffer by ensuring that other crops are still able to grow and produce a harvest. This can help to reduce the risk of financial losses for farmers and ensure that they have a more stable source of income.

In conclusion, intercropping is an important technique in sustainable farming practices. It promotes biodiversity, improves soil health, increases crop yield, and enhances the resilience of farming systems. By adopting intercropping techniques, farmers can create a more sustainable and resilient farming system that is better for the environment and their bottom line.