A farmer in a tropical rain forest climate currently grows tea. The farmer is debating whether to use intercropping to grow both rubber and tea. In 3–5 sentences, analyze the costs and benefits of adopting this sustainable farming practice.(4 points)
The farmer could potentially benefit from intercropping rubber and tea in a tropical rainforest climate. Intercropping can increase biodiversity, soil fertility, and pest control, as both rubber and tea have different nutrient requirements and pests. This can result in higher yields and reduce the need for chemical inputs. However, intercropping may require additional labor and management skills, and the initial investment for establishing rubber trees could be high. Therefore, the farmer should carefully assess these costs and benefits before adopting intercropping.
