Crop rotation and intercropping can boost crop productivity. A new method called alternate intercropping, where crops are switched annually in a wide strip, is even more effective. It can increase yields by 17-21% and net return by 10-23%. This method also improves the balance between roots and shoots, which is crucial for good yields. By changing how roots and shoots interact, alternate intercropping can enhance crop quality. The key to success lies in understanding how plants communicate to rebalance their root-shoot relations. This research suggests that focusing on these interactions could lead to even better results in the future.