Intercropping is a farming practice where two or more crop species or genotypes are grown together. It is important in subsistence and low-input agricultural systems and can contribute to sustainable intensification by increasing yield without increased inputs. Recent research in agronomy, plant physiology, and ecology has provided insights into improving intercropping systems. These include understanding resource use efficiency, plant-plant interactions, and the role of soil biodiversity. Intercropping can enhance resource availability through niche complementarity and improve pest and disease control. However, challenges remain, such as optimizing resource use efficiency and ensuring compatibility with modern farming practices. Ecological concepts, such as the Stress Gradient Hypothesis, can guide the design of intercropping systems. Additionally, understanding plant traits and their interactions with soil organisms can improve crop productivity. Future research should focus on integrating ecological and agronomic knowledge to enhance intercropping systems, promote ecosystem services, and improve sustainability. Interdisciplinary approaches, including agricultural engineering and management, are needed to support the wider adoption of intercropping. Overall, intercropping has the potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture by improving resource use efficiency, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing environmental impact.Intercropping is a farming practice where two or more crop species or genotypes are grown together. It is important in subsistence and low-input agricultural systems and can contribute to sustainable intensification by increasing yield without increased inputs. Recent research in agronomy, plant physiology, and ecology has provided insights into improving intercropping systems. These include understanding resource use efficiency, plant-plant interactions, and the role of soil biodiversity. Intercropping can enhance resource availability through niche complementarity and improve pest and disease control. However, challenges remain, such as optimizing resource use efficiency and ensuring compatibility with modern farming practices. Ecological concepts, such as the Stress Gradient Hypothesis, can guide the design of intercropping systems. Additionally, understanding plant traits and their interactions with soil organisms can improve crop productivity. Future research should focus on integrating ecological and agronomic knowledge to enhance intercropping systems, promote ecosystem services, and improve sustainability. Interdisciplinary approaches, including agricultural engineering and management, are needed to support the wider adoption of intercropping. Overall, intercropping has the potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture by improving resource use efficiency, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing environmental impact.