Crop Rotation Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is crop rotation primarily used for?

To reduce pest populations

To increase soil fertility (correct)

To maximize crop yield

To improve irrigation efficiency

Which type of crops should be grown alternately with tap root crops?

Leguminous crops

Fruit-bearing crops

Fibrous crops (correct)

Grain crops

What is the role of fodder crops in crop rotation?

To enhance crop diversity

To improve soil drainage

To reduce soil erosion

To feed livestock (correct)

In dryland conditions, which types of crops should be adopted?

Drought tolerant crops Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cropping pattern' refer to?

The sequence and spacing of crops grown in an area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following crops are suitable for flood-prone areas?

Water stagnation tolerant crops Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a photometer in agriculture?

Measuring transpiration or stomata behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of alternating erosion promoting and resisting crops on sloppy lands?

To prevent soil erosion Signup and view all the answers

What should the sequence of cropping in a specific area be based on?

Available farm resources Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cropping system' encompass?

The relation of a cropping pattern with available resources Signup and view all the answers

What does the net area sown represent?

Total area sown with crops only once in a year Signup and view all the answers

How is cropping intensity calculated?

(Gross cropped area / Net sown area) x 100 Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes mono-cropping?

Growing one crop repeatedly on the same land each year Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of mixed cropping?

It improves soil fertility when legumes are included. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of mono-cropping?

Lowered soil fertility and productivity Signup and view all the answers

What defines a multiple cropping system?

Growing two or more crops in the same calendar year Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of intercropping?

It enhances competition among crops. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of intercropping involves planting crops in distinct rows?

Row intercropping Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of parallel multiple cropping?

Maize grown alongside green gram and pigeon pea Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of intercropping?

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

What is crop rotation intensity?

The number of crops grown in a rotation sequence Signup and view all the answers

What might lead to mono-cropping practices?

Socio-economic conditions and specialization of farmers Signup and view all the answers

Which disadvantage is associated with mixed cropping?

Harvesting with machinery is not feasible. Signup and view all the answers

What does relay intercropping involve?

Planting a second crop before the first crop is harvested. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of multiple cropping?

Mono-cropping Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of intercropping in terms of soil?

It improves soil structure and water retention. Signup and view all the answers

Which crop rotation example shows the highest intensity?

Rice - Pea (200%) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of intercropping helps in resisting soil erosion?

Strip intercropping Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of mixed intercropping?

There is no distinct plant arrangement. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of intercropping?

Easier harvesting techniques. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Instruments Used for Measuring Plant Growth

Pycnometer: Measures specific gravity of soil.
Pluviometer: Used for measuring rainfall.
Hydrometer: Determines specific gravity of liquids.
Penetrometer: Assesses soil strength.
Crescograph: Measures plant growth.
Auxanometer: Device for measuring growth response of plants to stimuli.
Manometer: Measures root pressure.
Photometer: Analyzes transpiration or stomata behavior.
Porometer: Measures transpiration rate.
Potometer: Another instrument for measuring transpiration.
Evaporimeter/Atmometer/Atmidometer: Used for measuring evaporation.
Osmometer: Analyzes osmosis.
Lysimeter: Measures evapotranspiration, percolation, and leaching losses.
Tensiometer/Irrometer: Measures soil moisture tension.

Crop Rotation

Defined as the repeated cultivation of crops and fallow in a specific sequence on the same land.

Principles of Crop Rotation

Alternating leguminous plants with non-leguminous plants restores soil fertility.
Exhaustive crops are followed by less exhaustive crops to maintain soil health.
Tap root crops are intercropped with fibrous crops for even nutrient utilization.
Incorporate fodder crops to provide roughage and pasturage for livestock.
On sloped land, alternate crops that promote erosion with those that resist it.
In dryland or irrigated areas, use drought-tolerant crops or crops that tolerate water stagnation.

Suitable Cropping

Must match existing soil, climate conditions, and economic factors.

Sequence of Cropping

Tailored for optimal land utilization.

Important Terminology

Cropping Pattern: Yearly sequence and spatial arrangements of crops in a specific area.
Cropping System: Interaction of a cropping pattern with all available farm resources.
Cropping Scheme: Plan structured to grow crops for maximum return while maintaining soil fertility.
Gross Cropped Area: Total area sown once or more within a year.

Net Area Sown

Represents the area sown with crops, counted only once even if sown multiple times.

Cropping Intensity

Calculation: (Gross cropped area/Net sown area) x 100.
Example: India's cropping intensity is approximately 142%.

Crop Rotation Intensity

Calculation: (No. of crops in crop rotation/No. of years in crop rotation) x 100.
Example (1 year): Rice - Pea (200%), (2 years): Groundnut-Wheat-Sugarcane (150%).

Types of Cropping Systems

Mono-Cropping: Growing a single crop repeatedly on the same land; could be due to climate or farmer specialization.
- Advantages: Streamlined sowing and harvesting.
- Disadvantages: Diminished soil fertility and increased pest/disease issues.
Multiple Cropping: Cultivating two or more crops in one year on the same land.
- Examples include arrangements like Sorghum-Wheat-Green Gram and Maize-Wheat-Green Gram.

Types of Multiple Cropping

Parallel Cropping: Two or more crops grown together for part or all of their life cycles.
- Mixed Cropping: Simultaneously growing crops with no distinct rows (e.g., Maize + Green gram).
  - Advantages: Reduces crop failure risk and improves soil fertility.
  - Disadvantages: Challenges in pest control and harvesting.
Inter-Cropping: Growing two or more crops at the same time to enhance productivity and resource use.
- Advantages: Improved soil fertility, yield stability, and pest resistance.
- Disadvantages: Complicated harvesting and resource competition.

Types of Intercropping

Mixed Intercropping: Similar to mixed cropping with no distinct row arrangement.
Row Intercropping: One or more crops planted in rows, e.g., Maize + green gram (1:1).
Relay Intercropping: Sequential planting where second crop is sown before the first is harvested.
Strip Intercropping: Crops grown in strips allowing for independent cultivation yet interactive agronomy.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the instruments used for measuring plant growth in agriculture. This quiz covers various tools like pycnometers and pluviometers, detailing their functions and applications. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of plant science and agriculture.