2 Aleksandra Głowacka
the roots such malonates, citrates and malates, which improve the
solubility of nutrients in the rhizosphere and increase their bioavailability
for plants. The impact of intercropping on the availability and uptake of
components by plants depends on the selection of species for cropping,
soil properties and course conditions. In this chapter the possibility is
discussed of using intercropping, especially strip intercropping, in an
effective and economically efficient crop biofortification.Keywords: intercropping, strip intercropping, biofortification, rhizosphere,
macronutrients, micronutrients, facilitation
INTRODUCTION
Biodiversity in agrosystems plays an important role in ensuring numerous
ecological functions, such as nutrient cycling, pest management and
microclimate regulation. The intensification of agriculture not only leads to
genetic homogeneity in crops, but also decreases the temporal and spatial
variation of land use, thus simplifying the structure of the landscape (Benton et
al., 2003, Swinton et al., 2007 ). For this reason, the idea of more sustainable
management in agriculture is being promoted, aimed not only at maintaining
high levels of production, but also at reducing impact and negative effects on
the environment. One of the recommended measures includes a return to the
use of proper crop rotation and multiple cropping (polyculture), which
increase species diversity in fields and also the stability of agrosystems. Under
multiple cropping are the dichotomous classifications of sequential cropping
and intercropping. In sequential cropping, two or more crops are grown in
sequence on the same field per year. There is no interspecies competition.
Intercropping is form of multiple cropping in which two or more crop species
are grown simultaneously on the same fields. There is interspecies competition
during all or part of crop growth. Intercropping has long been used in various
regions of the world for the production of food for humans and feed crops for
animals. According to Miyazawa et al., ( 2010 ) yields of intercrops may exceed
the yield sum of the component species grown alone, as a result of better use
of available growth resources such as nutrient elements, water and light.
Therefore, intercropping has become one of the most essential tools for
solving the conflict between the people and the land, and ensuring foodstuff
safety (Zhang and Li 2003). Under the general category of intercropping, there
are four subcategories: mixed intercropping, row intercropping, relay
intercropping and strip intercropping (http://eap.mcgill.ca.htm). The most