Mixed cropping and Intercropping are two methods of diversified farming techniques where more than one types of crops are grown in the same unit area. In mixed cropping or mixed farming, two independent crops are mixed together and grown in an area, whereas the intercropping is a multiple cropping techniques where two or more crops are grown in proximity. Mixed cropping and intercropping are essentially two separate farming techniques with specific goals. The present post discusses the Difference between Mixed Cropping and Intercropping with a comparison table.
Difference between Mixed Cropping and Intercropping
Sl. No. Mixed Cropping Intercropping 1 Definition: a system of sowing two or three crops together on the same land. Definition: a system of cropping where two or more crops are grown in proximity. 
2 Mixed cropping is aimed to minimize the risk of crop failure. Intercropping is aimed to increase the productivity from unit area. 3 Seeds of the different crops are mixed together before sowing. Seeds are not mixed during sowing. 4 All the crops are sown at the same time. The sowing time may be same or different. 5 No set pattern as rows and columns. Crop are sowing is random. During sowing, different crops are grouped in different rows or columns. 6 Equal emphasis is given to all the crops. More emphasis is given to the main crop. 7 Fertilizer application for the specific crop is difficult. Fertilizers can be applied as per the need of the crop. 8 Pest control is difficult in mixed cropping Pest control is comparatively easy in intercropping. 9 All crops have almost similar life cycle and duration of maturation. The main crop and the intercrop show a considerable difference in the life cycle and duration of maturation. 10 Harvesting of crops is difficult. Different crops from the same field can be harvested easily. 11 Since crops are harvested together, threshing* is not possible after the harvest. Since crops are harvested separately, threshing is possible after the harvest.
Threshing: loosening the edible part of grains from husks and straw by mechanical forces
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