Intercropping Medicinal and Aromatic Plants with Other Crops: Insights from a Review of Sustainable Farming Practices

November 24, 2025

Publications

>

Article

No

Publicated to: Agronomy. 15 (12): 2692- - 2025-11-24 15(12), DOI: 10.3390/agronomy15122692

Authors: Aćimović, Milica; Navarro Rocha, Juliana; Ibraliu, Alban; Červenski, Janko; Sikora, Vladimir; Winter, Silvia; Lončar, Biljana; Pezo, Lato; Salamon, Ivan

Affiliations

Department of Agronomy Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Agricultural University of Tirana, 1029 Tirana, Albania - Author

Department of Ecology, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Science, University of Presov, 01, 17th November St., SK-081 16 Presov, Slovakia - Author

Department of Plant Science, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain - Author

Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia - Author

Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad (IFVCNS)—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Maksima Gorkog 30, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia - Author

Institute of General and Physical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 12–16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia - Author

Institute of Plant Protection, Department of Agricultural Sciences, BOKU University, 1180 Vienna, Austria - Author

Abstract

Intercropping medicinal and aromatic plants with other crops has demonstrated substantial potential for improving sustainable agricultural systems. Across a wide range of species, including yarrow, dill, wormwood, pot marigold, ajowan, coriander, saffron, cumin, lemongrass, Moldavian dragonhead, fennel, hyssop, dragons head, lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, mint, black cumin, basil, rose-scented geranium, aniseed, patchouli, rosemary, sage, summer savory, marigold, thyme, fenugreek, and vetiver, integration with cereals, legumes, vegetables, and perennial trees enhanced both land use efficiency and overall crop productivity. These systems often resulted in improved essential oil (EO) yield and composition, optimized plant growth, and increased economic returns, particularly when combined with organic inputs or biofertilizers. In addition to productivity gains, intercropping provides important ecological benefits. It can enhance soil fertility, stimulate microbial activity, and contribute to effective pest and weed management. Incorporating medicinal and aromatic plants into orchards, vineyards, or agroforestry systems further supported biodiversity. It influenced secondary metabolite production in companion crops, demonstrating the multifunctional role of these species in integrated farming systems. Overall, intercropping medicinal and aromatic plants represents a versatile and economically viable approach for sustainable crop production. The selection of compatible species, careful management of planting ratios, and appropriate agronomic practices are critical to maximizing both biological and economic benefits. Such strategies not only increase farm profitability but also promote environmental sustainability and resilience in diverse cropping systems. This review explores the effects of MAP integration on agroecological performance and identifies key mechanisms and practical outcomes.

Keywords

Cultivo intercaladoFertilidad del sueloGestión integrada de enfermedadesPlanta aromáticaPlanta medicinal

Quality index

Awards linked to the item

Este artículo se inspira en el proyecto CA23123 (Gestión no química de las malas hierbas en plantas medicinales y aromáticas: Weeding MAPS), respaldado por COST (Cooperación Europea en Ciencia y Tecnología)

Indexed in

Altmetrics

Analysis of institutional authors

Share