AEST Natural Resource Specialist Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive Prep

Intercropping is a sustainable agricultural practice that involves growing two or more crops simultaneously in the same field. This method enhances soil health and increases overall yield for several reasons. First, intercropping can improve soil fertility through the use of complementary crops that may fix nitrogen or suppress pests naturally. For instance, when legumes are grown alongside cereals, the legumes can enhance nitrogen availability in the soil, benefiting both crops.

Moreover, the diversity of crops planted together can optimize resource use, including sunlight, water, and nutrients. Different crops have varying rooting depths and structures, which can lead to more efficient use of the available soil resources. This reduces competition and can lead to a more productive ecosystem overall.

By promoting biodiversity in agricultural systems, intercropping can also reduce the chances of crop failure due to pests or diseases that may target a single crop species. This resilience is essential in the face of climate change and fluctuating weather patterns.

In contrast, other options suggest practices or outcomes that do not align with the principles of intercropping. Intercropping is not associated with the increased need for chemical fertilizers, simplification to a single crop system, or a heightened requirement for water and resources. Instead, it aims to create a more balanced and resource-efficient agricultural