EN
A relatively new concept in agriculture is the strip intercropping system with more than three crops grown in continuous, field-length narrow strips (3-9 m width). Crops are rotated annually. There are many advantages to the strip intercropping system as compared to traditional systems. Strip intercropping systems have greater production potential than the traditional systems. Microclimate variations are greater than in large fields, what helps to explain the boundary effects on crop yield. When the appropriate crops are situated side by side, the competition between plants is minimized and the yields increase, especially along the strip border. The small grain cereals interseeded with legumes reduce soil erosion. Legumes in the cropping accumulate nitrogen and reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers. Rotation and use of nitro gen from legumes instead of fertilizers, may reduce nitrates' leaching from soil into groundwater.