Intercropping in Oil Palm Plantations Boosts Soil Health and Crop Production.
Intercropping with sorghum and cassava in oil palm plantations in North Sumatra can boost soil bacteria populations, improving soil health. The highest bacteria levels were found in sorghum fields, while the highest fungi levels were in sorghum and cassava fields. This suggests that intercropping enhances soil biology, with potential benefits for crop production. Further research is needed to identify specific soil microbes that can support sustainable farming practices.