The correct answer is: a) Tea.
Intercropping is a cropping system in which two or more crops are grown simultaneously on the same piece of land. This can be done in a number of ways, such as by planting the crops in alternating rows, in blocks, or in a checkerboard pattern.
There are many benefits to intercropping, including:
- Increased crop yields: Intercropping can lead to increased crop yields by taking advantage of the different growth habits of the different crops. For example, tall crops can provide shade for shorter crops, which can help to reduce water loss and improve pest control.
- Improved soil health: Intercropping can help to improve soil health by increasing the diversity of plant life in the soil. This can lead to increased nutrient cycling and reduced soil erosion.
- Reduced pest and disease pressure: Intercropping can help to reduce pest and disease pressure by disrupting the life cycles of pests and diseases. For example, planting a resistant crop alongside a susceptible crop can help to trap pests on the resistant crop.
Tea is a perennial plant that is native to Asia. It is grown in tropical and subtropical climates, and it is a major cash crop in many countries. Tea is grown in a variety of ways, including intercropping with other crops.
Intercropping tea with other crops can provide a number of benefits, including:
- Increased crop yields: Intercropping tea with other crops can lead to increased crop yields by taking advantage of the different growth habits of the different crops. For example, tall crops can provide shade for tea plants, which can help to reduce water loss and improve pest control.
- Improved soil health: Intercropping tea with other crops can help to improve soil health by increasing the diversity of plant life in the soil. This can lead to increased nutrient cycling and reduced soil erosion.
- Reduced pest and disease pressure: Intercropping tea with other crops can help to reduce pest and disease pressure by disrupting the life cycles of pests and diseases. For example, planting a resistant crop alongside a susceptible crop can help to trap pests on the resistant crop.
In conclusion, intercropping tea with other crops can provide a number of benefits, including increased crop yields, improved soil health, and reduced pest and disease pressure.