What can be one benefit of mixed cropping?

Correct answer: More than one crop can reduce risk

The direct answer is A: growing more than one crop can reduce risk. In mixed cropping, two or more crops are grown together in the same field during the same period or in an arranged pattern. Different crops may need different nutrients, mature at different times, or respond differently to drought, pests, and price changes. If one crop performs poorly, another may still provide food or income. Mixed cropping does not guarantee success, but it can spread risk and sometimes improve use of land, water, and sunlight. Option A is correct because crop diversity can protect the farmer from total loss. Option B is wrong because mixed crops are not automatically destroyed. Option C is wrong because soil does not disappear merely because crops are mixed. Option D is wrong because every crop still needs suitable seed. Reasoning: several crops → different risks → lower chance of complete failure. Memory cue: mixed cropping means “do not put every hope in one crop.”