interrow

Interrow refers to the distance between adjacent rows of plants in a field or planting system. It is a key spacing parameter in both annual row crops and perennial crops such as orchards and vineyards. Interrow spacing is chosen to balance crop density, light interception, air movement, weed pressure, irrigation and fertilizer distribution, and the reach and operation of cultivation, harvest, and maintenance equipment. It is typically expressed as the center-to-center distance between rows and is distinct from intrarow spacing, the distance between plants within a row.

In annual row crops, interrow spacing influences yield potential, weed management, and the feasibility of mechanized operations. Narrow interrows increase canopy cover and can suppress weeds but may raise leaf wetness and disease risk; wider interrows improve air flow and allow bigger machinery but may reduce plant density and competition against weeds. In perennial systems, interrow spacing determines how much under-canopy work is possible, such as mowing, spraying, pruning, and traffic for harvesting.

Advances in precision agriculture use sensor-guided sprayers and variable-rate equipment that can adapt actions to interrow zones. The term is used across agronomy, horticulture, and viticulture, and planning often involves regional agronomic guidelines that take species, cultivar, climate, and equipment into account.