In coffee plantation, we do not only grow coffee plants, but we also intercrop with other varieties, and diversify the agricultural production and soil controlling erosion control.
Intercropping in coffee plantations improves soil fertility, as organic material from the trees or crops is absorbed by the soil, resulting in an improvement of soil quality.
Intercropping plants produce additional shade, keeping soil humidity and creating microclimatic conditions. It also improves both physical (porosity) and chemical soil properties. This means farmers can produce more crops with less fertilizers and pesticides.
In Mea Hong Son, our farmers are intercropping with various kind of fruits and vegetables, such as ginger root, galangal, taro, banana, mango, avocado, macadamia, bamboo, Phaya Suea Krang orchid, etc.
Economically, it increases income throughout the year and reducing the financial risks caused by the potential fall of coffee prices.