A Small Farmer’s Inducement to Crop Pairing
A Small Farmer’s Inducement to Crop Pairing
It has been suggested that support, care, and protection are one of the many key ingredients to a relationship. However, it is not just a relationship that we need but a healthy one. Robert Waldinger argues that, with the advent of healthy relationships, we get to live longer.
Similarly, in plants, a good companion is recommended for growth and survival.
Companion planting is best described as the practice of grouping two or more different species of plants for any number of reasons, including repelling pests, attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects to the field, and finally, improving soil fertility.
Indeed, commercial farmers practice monoculture farming, but this agricultural practice has its drawbacks, especially when you cannot bear the financial burdens associated with soil maintenance and the termination of pests. Well, intercropping has come to your rescue! This article will highlight a few of the great companion pairs and the benefits thereof.
A plant’s guardian angel
The existence of pest insects in your field may potentially cause damage to your crops and, every so often, be a health hazard to you and your family. Commonly, farmers make use of pesticides to get rid of unwanted pests in their farmlands. But this comes with a price, and although it may be argued to be inexpensive in some cases, what’s cheaper than free?
- Carrots and Leeks
Both these plants produce a strong scent that drives away each other’s pests. The carrot plant revolts leek moths. Leeks, on the other hand, repel carrot flies. But that is not the only benefit that comes with these two, leeks and carrots can also be a great companions in the kitchen. Roasted leeks and carrots with thyme and honey is a delicious side dish the whole family can enjoy!
Planting the right companion pairs not only eliminates the costs of getting rid of pests but maintains vegetation health and encourages non-interrupted growth in your backyard.
Hosting the right guests
Bees, butterflies, beetles, and other pollinators are said to be responsible for bringing us one of every three bites of food. This brings us to the question of how we are supposed to invite these pollinators to our fields. The answer is, by having the right host!
Borage is a popular companion herb for several crops such as pumpkins, watermelons, strawberries, and other crops that require pollination for growth. These herbs, which are greatly beloved by bees and other beneficial insects, will save you time from hand-pollination. You will no longer have to worry about not getting enough yield or misshapen crops as a result of a lack of pollinators.
A few borage plants in your garden will narrow the garden guestlist to just the right patrons since the herb does not only attract the good insects but repels unwanted pests as a bargain.
A good companion provider
Another cost borne by small farmers is the cost of fertilizer. This is most common when growing heavy feeders on mineral nutrients. This cost can be offset, if not minimized, If the farmer grows plants that need nitrogen more than they need phosphorus and potassium.
An ideal companion for heavy nitrogen feeders is beans and peas. These plants have bacteria called Rhizobia present on their roots which have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium nitrate. Which they then release into the soil, thus making the soil rich in nitrogen. Heavy feeders such as tomatoes, cabbages, and spinach can be planted together with beans or peas for faster and more robust growth.
Summation
It has been proven that plants grown next to certain other plants are healthier than when they are isolated, considering the boosted growth, repelling of pests, the attraction of pollinators, as well as taste improvements.
ARTVILLA SANELE DAKAMELA
Artvilla Sanele Dakamela, aged 22, is an Accounting student at the University of the Free State(UFS). He resides in kwandengezi, Durban KwaZulu-Natal, and is an enthusiastic reader and writer.
