Intercropping systems have been used for thousands of years and provide numerous ecological benefits that promote sustainability. This study evaluates the performance of three diverse seed mixes (warm season soil builder, warm season pollinator mix, milpa garden warm season) alongside 3 monocrops: iron and clay cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata), mancan buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), and butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) in terms of soil health improvement, pollinator support, and productivity. Additionally, the social acceptance of the seed mixes’ appearance and their use in public and private landscaping will be assessed. Soil samples were collected from each plot before and after each growing season to analyze soil health. Plots were observed for five minutes weekly to count the number of flowers and pollinator visits. The harvested produce was weighed and analyzed for nutritional content. Cowpea resulted in a higher average improvement in soil health indicators compared to the three seed mixes. Pollinator activity indicated that the ratio of pollinators to flowers was similar between the monocrop buckwheat and the three seed mix treatments. Butternut squash produced significantly greater weight, calories, and nutrients than the garden milpa. Milpa demonstrated comparable soil health and pollinator support to other seed mixes. These encouraging results suggest that milpa can be an effective tool for sustainable agricultural practices.
