Model optimized construction and technology integrated application of intercropping in kiwifruit orchard

Intercropping, an important production method in modern ecological agriculture plays a vital role in the construction of ecological orchards. The application of intercropping in kiwifruit orchards has developed rapidly. Many vegetables, Chinese herbal medicines, edible fungus, grain crops, and green manure crops have been successfully intercropped in those orchards. In practice, several key technologies such as variety selection and system collocation, timely sowing and proper intercropping, and scientific fertilization and rational irrigation should be concerned. Additionally, other major factors should be fully considered, including economic benefit, infrastructure support, transformation and upgrade, and green revitalization of the intercropping models. The comprehensive benefits of intercropping in kiwifruit ecological orchards are providing straw and agricultural waste, promoting rhizosphere microorganism activity, improving soil fertility and moisture conservation, and increasing additional agricultural and sideline products etc. These positive effects benefit the utilization of idle space, increase early income, optimize resource utilization efficiency and save expenditure, enhance soil fertilization capacity, and improve rhizosphere environment. They also offer surface water and soil erosion prevention and orchard ecology protection, as well as achieve a high fruit yield and quality that enhances intercropping's comprehensive benefits. Based on a summarization of the research and review of the technical application of intercropping system in kiwifruit orchards, this paper puts forward new prospects for the development of intercropping models in kiwifruit orchards. These prospects take full consideration of the biological characteristics of intercropping crop and kiwifruit, as well as the natural resources and environmental characteristics of orchards. We hope that exploring and improving the standardized application technology of kiwifruit intercropping can lead to excavating new crops, which would be suitable for kiwifruit intercropping. Theory and mechanism research for kiwifruit intercropping systems should be strengthened to promote green revitalization and leapfrog development of the kiwifruit industry in order to promote a positive role in the transformation of the agricultural industry.