Abstract: Wheat/cotton intercropping has a long history in China. This paper summarized the structural characteristics of this intercropping system, its functions in ecosystem material and energy cycling, and the relationships between these functions and the interactive effects of wheat and cotton. Some suggestions for further study were proposed on the arrangement modes of this intercropping system to maintain cotton field biodiversity and ecosystem balance, enhance land and natural resources (radiance, heat and water) utilization efficiency, and achieve higher ecological and economical benefits in cotton field.

Key words: Moina mongolica, Brachionus plicatilis, Interspecific interaction