Stability Comparison of Intercropping and Monocropping Systems

Methods of assessing stability are reviewed. These include using measures based on variances, regressions against environmental indices, and risk probabilities. A new approach using bivariate distributions of intercrop and monocrop yields is developed, leading to the calculation of relative risks for the two systems. The bivariate distribution methods proposed are illustrated by application to five sets of data on intercrop combinations each including sorghum.