Alternative cropping systems efficiently use solar radiation based on unique planting designs to enhance plant capture of sunlight, driving higher photosynthetic rates. Planting arrangements, based on inter-cropping methods and row spacing, integrate tall-statured crops (i.e., corn) for full exposure to sunlight with shorter inter-seeded crops grown for grain, forage or soil cover. Session papers will demonstrate potential of alternative systems for practical, efficient crop production, and specifically a) demonstrate basic agronomic principles of light interception, solar radiation use, and water use efficiency; b) illustrate impacts on crop yields, inter-crop productivity, and soil quality; and c) prioritize future research direction.