Do you want to make the most of your rubber plantation land and offset investment costs? Intercropping is one of the most effective solutions for sustainable and profitable rubber cultivation!
Introduction to Intercropping and Integrated Farming with Rubber Trees
Table of Contents
Intercropping in rubber plantations has become a highly effective agricultural practice, as mentioned in the “Technical Guidelines for Sustainable Rubber Production.”
This method optimizes land use and reduces investment costs for rubber by combining short-term crops, long-term crops, or livestock within the same area.
The key factor for successful intercropping lies in rubber planting density, depending on the crop species, livestock, and duration of cultivation — ensuring maximum productivity and profitability from integrated farming systems.
Short-Term Intercropping Models
Important Notes for Short-Term Intercropping
This is the most common form of intercropping in rubber plantations.
With standard rubber spacing (6×3 or 7×2.5 m), farmers can grow short-term crops during the first three years after planting rubber.
Guidelines:
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Prioritize legume crops (peanuts, beans) — avoid cassava intercropping.
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Manage intercrops to prevent competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight.
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Avoid plants that host major rubber pests or diseases.
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On sloped land (>10°), use minimal tillage to prevent erosion.
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Avoid intercropping on slopes >15°.
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Keep at least 1.5 m distance from rubber rows (1.0 m for legumes).
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Apply fertilizer and increase organic matter for both crops.
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Use leftover plant residue as mulch around rubber trees.
Model 1: Watermelon Intercropping
In Viet Trung Rubber Plantation (Quang Binh province), watermelon intercropping yields from 7–10 million VND per 500 m², equivalent to 150–170 million VND/ha per crop, with 30–35 tons/ha.
Model 2: Peanut Intercropping (Quang Tri Rubber Company)
Average yield: 2.5–3.0 tons/ha of fresh peanuts.
Selling price: 10,000 VND/kg (fresh) or 20,000 VND/kg (dry).
Profit: 18–20 million VND/ha per crop, with 2 crops/year possible.
Model 3: Sweet Potato Intercropping (Central Highlands)
Japanese sweet potatoes grown in young rubber plantations yield 15–20 tons/ha, bringing profits of 70–80 million VND/ha, with an investment cost of 50–60 million VND/ha.
Model 4: Chili Intercropping
In Loc Tan (Binh Phuoc), chili plants grown between rubber rows yield 30 million VND per 500 m² (about 300 million VND/ha) per harvest, with minimal disease and low input cost.
Model 5: Polyscias fruticosa (Đinh Lăng) Intercropping
Implemented in Tay Ninh province, with 30,000 roots/ha, producing 600 million VND/ha/year from leaves alone. After three years, roots can be sold for herbal tea and wine production.
Model 6: Pineapple Intercropping
Hundreds of households in Dien Bien have successfully intercropped pineapples under rubber trees, earning over 100 million VND/ha annually after deducting costs.
Model 7: Turmeric Intercropping
In Binh Phuoc, turmeric intercropping yields 30 tons/ha of fresh roots (≈130 million VND net profit/ha) within 9 months.
Model 8: Yam Intercropping
Farmers in Tay Ninh earn nearly 90 million VND/ha from yam grown under 4-year-old rubber trees, producing 3 tons/ha at 30,000 VND/kg.
Model 9: Morinda officinalis (Ba Kich) Intercropping
In Quang Nam, 7,000 m² of rubber forest intercropped with 8,000 Ba Kich plants brought revenue of 1.8 billion VND, with 800 million VND net profit after expenses.
Long-Term Intercropping Models
Key Considerations
To achieve high efficiency:
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Adjust rubber planting density depending on intercropped species:
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(12 × 5 × 2) m → 580 trees/ha
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(15 × 5 × 2) m or (14 × 6 × 2) m → 500 trees/ha
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Ensure technical design and planting guidelines are approved for each model.
Spacing:
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For shorter crops (e.g. coffee): ≥3 m from rubber trees.
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For fast-growing species (e.g. banana, teak, acacia): plant 1–2 years after rubber, spacing ≥5 m.
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Maintain soil fertility with leguminous cover crops (Kudzu, Mucuna).
Model 1: Banana Intercropping with High-Tech Cultivation
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Implemented by Dau Tieng Rubber Co., covering 117 ha with tissue-cultured bananas.
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Revenue: 25 million VND/ha (infrastructure use) + profit sharing.
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Expanding across plantations for integrated agri-tech systems.
Model 2: Papaya Intercropping
In Binh Phuoc, dwarf Thai papaya produces 25–30 million VND per 1,000 m² per year, yielding fruit 5–7 months after planting.
Model 3: Passion Fruit Intercropping
In Loc Ninh (Binh Phuoc), passion fruit yields 50 million VND/ha per crop, with net profit of 30 million VND/ha after costs.
Model 4: Sugarcane Intercropping
Phuoc Hoa Rubber Co. collaborates with TTC Sugar Group to plant 700 ha of sugarcane on replanting areas, earning 2 million VND/ha/year in rental income and sustainable rotation benefits.
Model 5: Acacia Hybrid Intercropping
In Loc Ninh Rubber Co., 23.76 ha of acacia and rubber are planted together.
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Yield: 20–25 m³/ha/year
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Profit: ≈15 million VND/ha after 4 years.
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Serves as windbreak and soil improvement crop.
Integrated Livestock Models Under Rubber Trees
Free-Range Chicken Farming
Binh Phuoc province successfully developed the JCK004 chicken hybrid for raising under rubber shade — improving meat quality and reducing disease risk.
Lean Duck Farming (Grimaud Breed)
At Tan Phuoc commune (Binh Phuoc), farmers raise 24,000 ducks/year, gaining 240 million VND/year in net profit.
Wild Pig Farming
In Nghe An, 100 wild pigs raised under rubber trees generate over 100 million VND/year in income from natural, organic husbandry systems.
Honeybee Farming in Rubber Forests
During the rubber flowering season in Kon Tum, beekeepers harvest up to 700 liters/day of light-yellow, fragrant rubber honey, priced at 45,000 VND/liter.
Benefits of Intercropping and Integrated Rubber Farming
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Maximizes land use efficiency and investment returns.
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Diversifies income sources through short-term and long-term crops or livestock.
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Enhances soil fertility, biodiversity, and sustainability of rubber plantations.
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Contributes to the sustainable development goals of Vietnam’s rubber industry.