Land is evidently used more efficiently when varieties are mixed, since standard rice yields per acre did not decline, despite the increased density of planting. An average of 1.18 acres of monoculture cropland would have to be planted to produce the same amount of rice as one acre of a mixture. Considering the higher market price of sticky rice, the gross value per acre of the mixture was 14 percent higher than the standard rice monoculture and 40 percent higher than the sticky rice monoculture. The study is significant in its own right, as it suggests a simple, non-chemical method for controlling a major disease of a crop consumed by half the world's population. It also suggests the potential for using mixtures to reduce disease in other crops as well.
Chinese farmers harvest rice by hand, making it easy to separate the two varieties of grain.
In the Pacific Northwest of the United States, however, some farmers have chosen to mix varieties of wheat that can be harvested and sold together. The wheat varieties are still different enough to result in higher yield and lower incidence of disease. Recipients should seek permission to reprint the article from the source listed above. Reading on line, downloading or other use of this information signifies acceptance of these conditions, and the Full Disclaimer.