Intercropping studies with annual cropsR WWilleyauthorMNatarajanauthorM SReddyauthorM RRaoauthorP T CNambiarauthorJKannaiyanauthorV SBhatnagarauthorThis paper tries to illustrate how beneficial interactions between crops can be exploited to increase the overall output of a cropping system. Growth studies with sorghum/pigeonpea and millet/groundnut are described to show how intercropping systems can achieve much larger yields than sole crops by using environmental resources more fully over time or more efficiently in space. Data from moisture stress studies are presented to illustrate that these advantages of intercropping can be even greater under stress conditions. Possible nitrogen benefits from legumes in intercropping systems are discussed with particular reference to a study on maize/groundnut. Weed, pest and disease control are considered and some effects of a sorghum intercrop on the incidence of pod borer and wilt disease in pigeonpea are described. Evidence for improved yield stability in intercropping systems is provided from a review of 94 experiments on sorghum/pigeonpea. It is emphasized that intercropping is especially beneficial to the small farmer in the low-input/high-risk environment of the developing areas of the world but some brief comments are made on its applicability in more developed conditions.Agriculture-Farming, Production, Technology, Economics1983Conference or Workshop Item