Intercropping System: Enhancing Productivity and Sustainability in Hot Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) and Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Cultivation: A Review

Abstract

The practice of intercropping hot peppers and basil has yielded several benefits, as discussed in this article. Intercropping is the cultivation of multiple crop species in the same plot of land for a specific period with the aim of increasing yield by utilizing resources such as solar radiation, water, and mineral nutrients more effectively. Studies have shown that Intercropping systems capture and utilize more water, nitrogen, and light than single-crop systems, leading to improved moisture and nutrient use efficiency. Additionally, the use of intercropping systems has been found to enhance crop diversification, thereby reducing the risk of total crop failure and improving yield stability over seasons. This practice has also been shown to increase gross returns per unit area, leading to increased land productivity and financial benefits. Furthermore, planting basil alongside hot peppers has been documented to enhance the productivity of the main crop, while reducing losses due to pests, diseases, and weeds caused by the presence of phytonutrients. Overall, intercropping has been found to be an important agricultural activity that allows for increased yield gains through efficient utilization of growth resources, making it an ideal option for the sustainable intensification of crop production.