Alley Cropping refers to the practice of planting crops in strips within the alleys between trees and sometimes shrubs. This form of inter-cropping is often termed ‘sun system’ and is a technique used under the heading Agroforestry.
Farmers use alley cropping effectively to fight soil erosion, enhance crop diversification and increase farmland diversity among other integrated benefits.
Additionally this style of farming also provides shade zones, reduces the loss of water by evaporation and increases biodiversity in the flora and fauna. Perennials used in alley cropping often provide fruit, fodder, fuel wood and trimmings that are turned into mulch.
