A farmer in a tropical rain forest climate currently grows tea. The farmer is debating wheat her to use intercropping to grow both rubber and tea. In 3-5 sentences, analyze the costs and benefits of adopting this sustainable farming practice.
Intercropping rubber with tea can have several benefits for the farmer. Rubber trees can provide shade for the tea plants, reducing the risk of sunburn and enhancing their growth. Additionally, rubber trees can help improve soil quality and prevent erosion, ultimately increasing the overall productivity of the farm. However, there are also costs to consider, such as the initial investment in planting rubber trees and the potential challenges in managing two different crops. Overall, adopting intercropping can lead to greater sustainability and diversity in the farmer's income sources.
