Cropping Patterns

Introduction:

Agricultural cropping patterns refer to the proportion of land under cultivation of different crops at different times of the year, and are defined as follows: This indicates the planting and harvesting schedules for crops on a specific piece of land. Any alteration to the cropping pattern would result in the following consequences:

• a shift in the proportion of land planted to different types of crops
• alteration in the spatial sequence and timing of crops

Rainfall, temperature, climate, technology, and soil type all play a role in determining the cropping pattern in Indian agriculture.

Various cropping patterns are used in order to maximise yields while minimising risk of disease. The following are some of the most common cropping patterns:

Monocropping

Monocropping depletes soil fertility and degrades the soil’s physical and chemical structure. It will be necessary to use chemical fertilisers in order to upgrade production. Pests and diseases are able to spread as a result of this practise.

Mixed Cropping

Mixed cropping is a term used to describe the practise of growing two or more crops on the same piece of land at the same time. Mixed cropping, for example, is the practise of growing wheat and gramme on the same piece of land at the same time. This practise reduces the risk of failure of one of the crops and provides insurance against crop failure caused by unusual weather conditions, both of which are beneficial.

The crops that will be grown together should have different maturation times as well as different water needs. It is recommended to grow one tall crop and one dwarf crop together. When comparing two crops, the nutrients required by one should be less than the nutrients required by the other. One crop should have deep roots, while the other crops should have shallow roots, and so on. All of these factors contribute to the success of a mixed cropping pattern.

Advantages of Mixed Cropping

• The crop yield increases as a result of this.
• The pest infestation is kept to a bare minimum.
• A decrease in the likelihood of crop failure.
• The soil is being properly utilised.
• It is possible to harvest more than one type of crop at the same time.

How are the Crops selected for Rotation?

• The following criteria should be used when selecting the crops to be included in a crop rotation:
• There should be sufficient moisture available.

Available fertilisers, labour, and machine power are all important considerations.

• Marketing and processing facilities are also available.
• The amount of nutrients available in the soil.
• The length of time the crop will be harvested (short or long).

Intercropping

It is the practise of growing more than one crop in a single field at the same time in a specific row pattern, which is known as intercropping. After one row of the main crop, three rows of intercrops can be planted between the main crop rows. This increases productivity per square metre of floor space.

Intercropping can take place in a variety of ways:

Row Intercropping

Row intercropping is a type of crop intercropping in which the component crops are planted in alternate rows. It aids in the most efficient use of available land space as well as the suppression of weeds during the early stages of the main crop.

Strip Intercropping

Strip cropping is a term used to describe the practise of growing two or more crops in wide strips so that the two crops can be managed separately. The crops, on the other hand, are close enough to interact.

Relay Intercropping

If you are using this method of intercropping, a second crop is planted after the first crop has flowered but before it has been harvested. For example, rice with cauliflower, onion, and summer gourds.

Advantages of Intercropping

Maintaining the fertility of the soil is important.

• The spread of diseases and pests is kept under tight control.
• The most efficient use of available resources.
• You save both space and time by not growing more than one crop at a time.
• Utilisation to the greatest extent possible of soil nutrients.

Intercropping crops include maize and soybeans, as well as bajra and lobea, among other things.

Crop Rotation

A succession of crops is grown on the same piece of ground according to a predetermined schedule in this pattern. In accordance with the length of the crop rotation, the crops are classified as follows: one-year rotation; two-year rotation; three-year rotation

In order to increase soil fertility, legumes are incorporated into the crop rotation programme. Following the legumes, crops that require a high level of fertility (such as wheat) can be planted. After the crops that require high inputs have been harvested, the crops that require low inputs can be planted.

How are the crops selected for Rotation?

When selecting crops for rotation, the following criteria should be taken into consideration: 1.

• There should be sufficient moisture available.

Available fertilisers, labour, and machine power are all important considerations.

• Marketing and processing facilities are also available.
• The amount of nutrients available in the soil.
• The length of time the crop will be harvested (short or long).

Advantages of Crop Rotation

• There is a long-term preservation of soil fertility
• The prevention of the growth of weeds and pests in the field.

• There is no need for a large amount of chemical fertilisers.
• The soil’s physical and chemical properties are unaffected by the treatment.

Factors Affecting Cropping Patterns

The level of agricultural production is determined by the cropping patterns used. This reflects the agricultural economy of a particular region in the world.

Changes in agrarian policy, the availability of agricultural inputs, and technological advancements all have an impact on cropping patterns.

As a result, cropping patterns are advantageous in that they improve the fertility of the soil, which in turn increases the yield of the crops. It ensures crop protection as well as the availability of nutrients to the plants.

Conclusion

Agriculture contributes significantly to a country’s overall economic well-being. Following the various cropping patterns is critical to having a successful economy, and the cultivation is influenced by a variety of factors as well. As a result, we can conclude that economic factors play a significant role in the determination of the cropping pattern in Indian agricultural production. Despite the fact that Indian farmers are impoverished, their motivation can lead to a shift in the country’s cropping system.