Alley Cropping Quiz

Questions and Answers

Which statement is incorrect regarding alley cropping?

It absorbs a great deal of labour.

Arable crops are grown between hedgerows of leguminous woody species.

The hedgerow shrubs and trees contribute to weed suppression.

It significantly reduces labor requirements. (correct)

What does the Taungya system involve?

A mixture of perennial and ground cover crops.

Integrating agricultural crops with forest crops. (correct)

A strict monoculture approach to farming.

Mixed tree plantation with limited crop growth.

Which option best describes alley cropping?

Solo cultivation in rows.

Integration of livestock and crops.

Planting of ornamental shrubs.

Hedgerow intercropping. (correct)

The multi-purpose tree-on-crop lands system is suitable for which activity?

Commercial bee farming. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Loucaona leucocephala preferred over Dacryodos edulis in alley cropping?

It is more effective for nutrient cycling. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of alley cropping?

Utilizes shrubs for nutrient recycling. Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is contrary to the principles of the Taungya system?

Solely focusing on perennial crops. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Alley Cropping Overview

Alley cropping involves growing arable crops between hedgerows of leguminous woody species.
It enhances nutrient recycling, provides mulch and manure, suppresses weeds, and controls erosion through the hedgerow shrubs and trees.
Functions as a bush-fallow system, integrating cropping and fallow phases to boost land use intensity.
Not limited to low input agriculture, countering the misconception of this restriction.
Requires significant labor investment, making it labour-intensive.

Taungya System

The Taungya system integrates annual crops with perennials in a plantation-style format.
Involves a mixed tree plantation combined with agricultural practices.
Characterized by raising crops alongside forest plants, optimizing land use.
Does not pertain to a simple combination of forest plants in a lime sequence or any option listed as "none of the above."

Characteristics of Alley Cropping

Typically recognized as hedgerow intercropping, where trees or shrubs are planted in rows.
Includes the practice of interplanting crops in terraces, enhancing soil conservation.
Involves planting shade-casting trees alongside agricultural crops, benefiting both systems.

Multi-Purpose Tree-on-Crop Lands System

This system is particularly suitable for subsistence farming, integrating trees into fields for multiple benefits.
Not designed for specific activities like bee farming or pisciculture as per the given options.
Does not support monocropping practices, focusing instead on diversification.

Preference for Loucaona leucocephala over Dacryodos edulis

Loucaona leucocephala is preferred in alley cropping for its rapid growth, nitrogen-fixing abilities, and suitability for intercropping.
Provides better biomass for mulch and nutrient recycling compared to Dacryodos edulis, which may not offer the same advantages in this system.

Description

Test your knowledge on alley cropping practices and principles. This multiple-choice quiz will challenge you to identify what is true and what is not about this sustainable agricultural technique. See how well you understand the benefits and limitations of alley cropping.