Agricultural Practices: Mixed Cropping

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of mono-cropping?

Growing one crop consistently over several years (correct)

Alternating crops seasonally

Growing multiple crops in a year

Growing legumes and oilseeds simultaneously

Which of the following is an advantage of mono-cropping?

Improved pest control

Simplified sowing and harvesting with machinery (correct)

Increased soil fertility

Diversity in crop production

What defines parallel cropping?

Growing multiple crops at the same time throughout their life cycle (correct)

Growing two crops in distinct rows

Growing a crop following another crop in a different season

Harvesting crops at separate times of the year

What is mixed cropping?

Growing two or more crops simultaneously with no specific row arrangement Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of multiple cropping?

Decreased soil fertility and productivity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cropping allows a harvested crop to regenerate?

Ratoon cropping Signup and view all the answers

What does multi-storied cropping involve?

Growing different crops of varying heights on the same piece of land Signup and view all the answers

What defines sequential cropping?

Planting multiple crops throughout the year at different times Signup and view all the answers

Why might a farmer choose mono-cropping?

Due to climatic or socioeconomic conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of multiple cropping involves planting and harvesting crops in overlapping time periods?

Double cropping Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of mixed cropping?

It decreases the risk of crop failure. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of intercropping?

Competes for resources more intensively. Signup and view all the answers

What defines row intercropping?

Planting crops in distinct rows. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of intercropping?

To achieve higher productivity per unit area. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of intercropping involves planting one crop after the first has reached its reproductive stage?

Relay intercropping Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the drawbacks of mixed cropping?

Increased machine harvesting difficulty. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of intercropping?

Better utilization of available resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is not a type of intercropping mentioned?

Dual cropping Signup and view all the answers

Which arrangement characterizes mixed intercropping?

No distinct row arrangement for crops. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of intercropping allows for independent cultivation while promoting interaction?

Strip intercropping Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mixed Cropping

Lowers risk of crop failure by diversifying planted crops.
Meets daily food requirements for grains, oilseeds, pulses, and more.
Enhances soil fertility when legumes are included as minor crops.
Allows better distribution of labor throughout the planting and harvesting periods.
Increases gross monetary returns from diverse crop outputs.
Challenges include difficulty in controlling pests, diseases, and weeds.
May negatively impact primary crop yields due to competition.
Not feasible for mechanized harvesting.

Inter-cropping Overview

Involves simultaneous cultivation of two or more crops on the same land.
Focuses on maximizing productivity both spatially and temporally.
Enhances productivity through efficient resource utilization.
Example of inter-cropping includes Maize and Pigeon pea planted in a ratio of 2:1.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Intercropping

Can improve soil fertility and overall agricultural productivity.
Maintains higher crop yields compared to mono-cropping.
Maximizes resource use efficiency.
Helps prevent soil erosion and reduces pest and disease incidence.
Enhances soil structure and water retention.
Difficulties arise in mechanized harvesting and intercultural operations.
Increased resource competition among crops can occur.

Types of Intercropping

Mixed Intercropping

Crops are grown without specific row arrangements.
Example: Sorghum, pearl millet, and cowpea broadcast together under rainfed conditions.

Row Intercropping

Involves planting crops in distinct rows for simultaneous growth.
Example ratios include Maize with green gram (1:1) or Groundnut with Red gram (6:1).

Relay Intercropping

Second crop planted during the reproductive stage of the first crop.
Ensures crop harvesting overlap; e.g., Rice followed by pulses in fallow.

Strip Intercropping

Crops are grown in strips that allow for independent cultivation while supporting interaction.
Example: Groundnut planted alongside red gram in a strip configuration.

Relay Cropping

Sequential planting of a new crop while the preceding crop is still growing.

Types of Cropping System

Mono-Cropping

Single crop grown continuously year after year.
May be influenced by climate, socioeconomic factors, or farmer specialization.
Example: Growing groundnut in arid regions or rice in irrigated areas.

Multiple Cropping

Cultivating two or more crops on the same land within a year, enhancing intensity.
Involves shorter planting and harvesting periods.

Types of Multiple Cropping

Parallel Cropping

Crops are grown together for all or part of their growth cycle.

Mixed Cropping

Multiple crops grown together without row arrangements.
Example: Mixture of maize, green gram, and pigeon pea alongside oilseed crops like groundnut or mustard.

Multiple Sequential Cropping

Involves planting crops at different times, ensuring crop turnover throughout the year.

Sequential Cropping

Growing various crops in a sequence, categorized into double, triple, or quadruple cropping.

Ratoon Cropping

Involves allowing a harvested crop to regenerate.

Multi-Storied Cropping

Different height crops are cultivated on the same land.

Disadvantages of Cropping Systems

Soil fertility and productivity can decline due to constant cropping.
Potential deterioration of soil structure.
Increased prevalence of pests, diseases, and weeds in the cropping environment.

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Description

Explore the advantages and disadvantages of mixed cropping in agriculture. This quiz covers its impact on crop yield, soil fertility, labor distribution, and pest management. Gain insights into how mixed cropping can enhance or challenge farming practices.