Which type of farming involves the planting of two different crops simultaneously in the same field?

Polyculture refers to the practice of cultivating multiple crops in the same space at the same time. This farming approach enhances biodiversity and can lead to improved soil health, pest management, and overall ecosystem sustainability. By planting two or more crops together, farmers can take advantage of complementary growth patterns and resource usage, which can result in higher yields and more resilient agricultural systems.

In contrast, mixed cropping generally refers to growing various crops in the same area but often does not imply simultaneous planting as strongly as polyculture does. Double cropping involves growing two different crops in the same field but in consecutive growing seasons rather than at the same time. Agricultural rotation is a practice where different crops are planted in sequence over different seasons to avoid disease and nutrient depletion in the soil.

Understanding these distinctions highlights the benefit of polyculture as a method that utilizes the simultaneous presence of different crops for the greater advantage of the farm ecosystem.