RUBBER NEWS

Intercropping and Crop Rotation in Rubber Plantations

Posted on by content02.vinahugo
13
Oct

1. Intercropping Short-Term Crops

Intercropping short-term crops is encouraged during the early years of immature rubber plantations (KTCB).

  • In pure rubber plantations, short-term intercrops (annual crops) must be planted at least 1.2 m away from rubber rows during the first and second KTCB years, and 1.5 m away from the third year onward.

  • For crops grown on ridges, the spacing is measured from the base of the ridge to the rubber row.

  • No intercropping is allowed once the rubber canopy is closed.

  • Managers must take timely measures if intercrops compete for nutrients or water, affecting rubber tree growth.

After completing the intercropping phase or if yields decline, units are encouraged to establish leguminous ground cover to restore soil fertility and moisture.

Example intercrops: peanuts, mung beans, corn, cassava, soybeans — all enhance early income and improve soil organic matter.

2. Intercropping Long-Term Crops

Long-term intercrops may have a shorter or similar harvest cycle compared to rubber trees.

Planting Designs

  • Widened-row design:

    • For low-stature trees (e.g., fruit trees): keep at least 3 m spacing from rubber rows.

    • For tall or wide-canopy trees (e.g., cashew, acacia): spacing should be ≥6 m.

    • Multiple intercrop cycles may occur during one rubber cycle depending on crop lifespan.

  • Strip or block intercropping:

    • Industrial or forestry crops must be planted ≥5 m from the outermost rubber row.

    • Prefer planting on windward edges, buffer zones, road strips, or marginal plots.

    • Leave open spaces at plot ends for rubber maintenance operations.

    • Design intercropping strips wide enough for harvesting and machinery movement.

Contingency Requirement

  • Develop contingency plans in case of rubber replanting due to natural disasters or severe damage, ensuring replanting activities are not hindered by long-term intercrops.

Popular long-term intercrops: coffee, macadamia, pepper, avocado, and high-value forestry species.

3. Managing and Caring for Intercropped Rubber Fields

  • Cultivation, care, and harvesting of intercrops must not harm rubber tree growth or interfere with latex tapping and timber extraction.

  • After completing the intercropping cycle:

    • Restore and level the land surface;

    • Remove residual shoots or regrowth from intercrops before handover;

    • Minimize soil disturbance to protect rubber roots.

  • Encourage soil rehabilitation, organic enrichment, and legume cover planting after intercropping.

  • Regularly adjust rubber canopy shape (if leaning or asymmetric).

Conflict Resolution

If intercrops compete with rubber trees:

  • For water and nutrient conflicts: dig isolation trenches 20 cm wide × 30 cm deep, spaced 1 m from intercrop rows.

  • For canopy or space competition: prune or remove some intercrop rows, giving priority to rubber growth.

4. Crop Rotation in Rubber Plantations

Crop rotation serves to protect and restore soil fertility, especially:

  • On degraded lands before replanting rubber;

  • In areas affected by severe soil-borne diseases in previous cycles.

Key Principles

  • Ensure proper technical cultivation to reduce erosion and runoff.

  • Prioritize soil-improving species or intensive farming crops.

  • Prevent pollution, degradation, or damage to infrastructure such as roads, terraces, or drainage systems.

  • Rotation duration should align with the intercrop’s production cycle but not exceed 7 years.

    • Longer rotations require written approval from VRG.

Suitable rotation crops: cassava, maize, legumes, peanuts, or short-cycle forestry species.

5. Crop Rotation Management

Article 82. Rotation Crop Management and Duration

  • Plant approved rotation crops only and follow proper cultivation techniques — no land abandonment or misuse.

  • During rotation and harvesting, maintain soil protection and improvement measures.

  • Any damage to infrastructure (e.g., roads, terraces, drainage systems) must be promptly repaired and compensated if necessary.

  • Rotation duration depends on site conditions, land-use goals, and VRG approval.

Conclusion

By promoting intercropping and crop rotation, VRG enhances land productivity, biodiversity, and soil sustainabilitywhile supporting farmers’ short-term income during immature phases.
These integrated approaches align with Vietnam’s national goals for climate-smart agriculture and sustainable rubber development.