Companion cropping mixtures involves drilling the mixture alongside a cash crop such as oilseed rape. The benefit of this method is to create a dense crop which will smother any weeds that may affect the cash crop. It will also protect it from any predators that may affect the cash crop. Overall, the insecticide and herbicide use will be reducing as biological control measures are in place. Companion cropping also reduces fertiliser inputs as crops such as buckwheat or fenugreek will scavenge for nutrients, then release them when they die off. The cash crop will then use the nutrients when needed.