Cropping system diversification effects on yield, yield stability and risk

Publication date: 26-08-2026
Extent: 48 pages

Contributions by: Timothy M. Bowles, University of California–Berkeley, USA; K. Ann Bybee-Finley, Katherine E. Muller and Kathryn E. White, North Carolina State University, USA; Michel A. Cavigelli and Harry H. Schomberg, Sustainable Agricultural Systems Laboratory – USDA-ARS, USA; Eunjin Han,Adaptive Cropping Systems Laboratory – USDA-ARS, USA; and Frederi Viens, Rice University, USA

Chapter synopsis:

This chapter examines how cropping system diversification, such as crop rotation and intercropping, affects yield, yield stability and risk. Based on both observational studies and long-term field experiments, the chapter discusses how cropping system diversification not only generally increases yields, but also increases yield stability (across multiple metrics) and mitigates general and specific risks associated with climate stressors. Mechanisms underlying these effects vary with scale and include complementarity, facilitation (including via enhanced soil health), and the portfolio effect. Diversifying cropping systems will require creating enabling conditions and dismantling structural barriers, including integrating the value of risk reduction into agricultural finance and insurance systems. The chapter also reviews future research needs which include multiple metrics of whole system functioning and actuarially-sound information on risk reduction from diversified cropping systems.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2025.0153.11