Effects of mulching, N-fertilization and intercropping with Desmodium uncinatum

Intercropping is advanced as one of the integrated soil fertility management practices consisting of cultivating two or more crops in the same space at the same time. The principal reasons for smallholder farmers to intercrop are flexibility, profit maximization, risk minimization, soil conservation and improvement of soil fertility, weed, pests and diseases control and balanced nutrition. A chemical fertilizer is defined as any inorganic material of wholly or partially synthetic origin that is added to soil to sustain plant growth. Mulching is a protective soil covering to reduce evaporation, maintain even soil temperature, prevent erosion, control weeds and enrich the soil. Combining these practices allow to reduce the use of chemicals and controll weed growth.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2012.10.018