Which statement best describes the benefit of the three sisters planting method?

• A. Increases monocropping
• B. Requires more chemical fertilizers
• C. Improves soil fertility and pest resistance
• D. Lowers yields

Answer: (C)

Three Sisters planting is a form of companion farming where corn, beans, and squash grow together to support one another. The beans fix nitrogen from the air into the soil, enriching nutrients available to all three crops. The corn provides a sturdy growth support for the climbing beans, while the squash sprawls along the ground, shading the soil, reducing weeds, and helping conserve moisture. This combination creates a more fertile soil environment and a pest-resistant habitat because the diversity of plants disrupts pest cycles and supports beneficial insects. As a result, these crops can yield well with less need for chemical fertilizers. This is why improved soil fertility and pest resistance is the best description of the benefit. It isn’t about monocropping, it doesn’t require more chemical fertilizers, and it typically contributes to higher yields than growing a single crop.