What soil and shade does konjac need and can I intercrop it?

Konjac naturally grows in cool, humid, partially shaded hill conditions, so light tree shade and a well-drained, fertile, organic-matter-rich soil suit it, and it tolerates being grown under partial canopy, which makes intercropping under trees or in agroforestry plots possible. Good drainage is essential because the corm rots in waterlogged soil. Intercropping can make better use of shaded land while you wait out the multi-year corm cycle, but it does not remove the core problem of finding a buyer for a niche crop. Treat any larger planting as a trial until you have a confirmed market. Get the suitable spacing, shade level and a soil check from your KVK or State Horticulture department for your specific site.