Chapter 13: Cropping Systems Key Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of multiple cropping systems?

To introduce a cash crop during the harvest of another crop

To grow two or more crops simultaneously on the same land

To maximize the use of available land by growing different crops sequentially (correct)

To increase soil erosion and decrease soil fertility

What is the primary advantage of cover crops in a multiple cropping system?

Increasing weed growth and soil compaction

Introducing a cash crop during the harvest of the main crop

Providing soil protection, enhancing soil fertility, and reducing weed growth (correct)

Increasing soil erosion and decreasing soil quality

Which of the following is an example of a multiple cropping system?

Growing a single crop year-round

Monoculture

Companion crops or wheat/pea mixtures (correct)

Leaving the land fallow for an entire year

What is the purpose of green manure crops in a multiple cropping system?

To improve soil quality by plowing them under Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge associated with living mulches in a multiple cropping system?

Management challenges due to the complexity of the system Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conservation plantings in multiple cropping systems?

To diversify the landscape and increase environmental quality Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of riparian buffers in a multiple cropping system?

To prevent animals from accessing water bodies Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of shelter belts in a multiple cropping system?

To prevent soil erosion and increase environmental quality Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)?

Converting highly erodible cropland to vegetative cover Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of continuous cropping?

Economic incentives and specialization Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of crop rotation?

Specialization in machinery and chemicals Signup and view all the answers

What is monoculture?

Growing a single crop within a field during the growing season Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an advantage of polyculture?

Better utilization of soil and environmental resources Signup and view all the answers

What is strip cropping?

Growing crops in monocultures in adjacent strips within a field Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Conservation Reserve Program?

To provide soil conservation Signup and view all the answers

Which cropping system involves growing a sequence of different crops over years on the same land?

Crop rotation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common form of strip cropping?

Contour strip cropping for soil conservation on sloping lands Signup and view all the answers

Which cropping system involves growing two or more crops together on the same land during the growing season?

Polyculture Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cropping Systems

Continuous cropping: same crop is grown for 2+ years on the same land, with economic incentives and greater specialization
Crop rotations: sequence of different crops grown over years on same land, providing advantages like pest control, increased soil quality, and less risk

Monoculture vs Polyculture

Monoculture: growing a single crop within a field during the growing season, with advantages like specialized machinery, target chemicals, efficient fertilizer systems, and specialized varieties
Polyculture: growing two or more crops together on the same land during the growing season, utilizing more soil and environmental resources, with advantages like yield stability, diversification of income, and better use of resources

Types of Polyculture

Strip Cropping: growing crops in monocultures in adjacent strips within a field, commonly used for soil conservation on sloping erodible lands
Mixed Intercropping: two or more crops grown together at random, fitting best in forage production systems
Living Mulches: planting annual grain crops into living perennial sod, providing year-round ground cover

Multiple Cropping Systems

Sequential production of two or more different crops from the same piece of land each year, often practiced in long growing season areas
Double cropping: utilizing both summer and winter annual crops
Cover Crops: introduced during or following harvest of cash crop, providing advantages like soil protection, enhancing soil fertility, and reducing weed growth

Soil Conservation and Environmental Quality

Green Manure Crops: grown to plow under to improve soil quality, with legume crops being especially effective
Conservation Plantings: programs funded by federal and state governments to diversify the landscape and increase environmental quality
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP): converts highly erodible cropland to vegetative cover, with 36 million acres enrolled in CRP (2007)

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Description

Learn about continuous cropping, crop rotation, monoculture, polyculture, and the Conservation Reserve Program in this quiz. Understand the advantages and differences between these cropping systems.