*3.1.5 Erosion control*

Intercropping is advantageous in terms of erosion control because of coverage of more ground area than monocropping of cereals. The striking actions of rain drops can erode the bare or uncovered soil, but the coverage of soil by legumes can check it. In maize-cowpea intercropping combination, ground area is mostly covered, thus soil erosion is reduced [54]. Taller crop like maize also plays a vital role as wind break and protects the crops with shorter canopy (like legumes) as well as erosion caused by wind [45].
