What was the most common number of crops grown under plantation system agriculture?

It's difficult to give a specific number for the most common number of crops grown under plantation system agriculture because it varied widely depending on the specific plantation and the region. However, here's some insight into the common practices:

* Focus on a single or a few cash crops: Plantation agriculture typically focused on a single cash crop for maximum profit. This was the primary characteristic that distinguished it from other farming systems. Examples include:

* Sugarcane: In the Caribbean, Brazil, and Southeast Asia

* Coffee: In Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam, and Indonesia

* Tea: In India, Sri Lanka, and China

* Cotton: In the American South, India, and Pakistan

* Rubber: In Southeast Asia and South America

* Tobacco: In the American South, Cuba, and China

* Diversification for risk management: Some plantations might have grown a few additional crops to diversify their income and manage risks associated with market fluctuations or disease outbreaks. This was particularly common in regions where monoculture led to soil depletion and pest infestations.

Therefore, it's inaccurate to say there was a "most common number" of crops. While the emphasis was often on a single cash crop, some plantations might have diversified with a few additional crops.

Important Considerations:

* Historical context: Plantation agriculture evolved throughout history, and the types of crops grown changed over time. For instance, the American South transitioned from tobacco and rice to cotton during the 18th and 19th centuries.

* Geographic variations: The specific crops grown under plantation systems were also heavily influenced by climate, soil conditions, and market demand in each region.

In conclusion, while the plantation system often focused on a single cash crop, the actual number of crops grown could vary based on various factors.