Economic Factors Affecting Cropping Pattern

Introduction

Cropping patterns help in retaining the soil nutrients along with increasing productivity to boost the economy of the country. However, economic motivation is considered a major determinant of the cropping patterns. Price and Income Maximization remain the major economic factors along with consumption patterns that affect the economy of the country. Farming is the major source of the promotion of the Indian economy as India has a mixed economy. A large amount of money or economic growth in the country is due to agriculture and farming. 

Discussion 

Definition of cropping pattern

A cropping pattern is defined as the proportion of land that is under cultivation with the different crops at various points of time. It usually indicates the time and arrangement of crops in a particular land area. India is a land of agriculture where the agricultural industry contributes highly to the country’s economy. The different types of crops grown in the country in different regions cause a change in the proportion of land under different crops. The cropping pattern helps in the production of surplus grain in a year. The method of crop rotation also helps to increase the overall productivity and improve the product along with the production. There are three distinct crop seasons in India, like Kharif, Rabi and Zaid which are grown and harvested in different seasons.

India is a land with six seasons and each season is suitable for growing different types of crops. The country also has different types of soils throughout its geographical boundaries like Red soil, black soil, laterite soil and sand. The cropping pattern is important as the crops are rotated and harvested each year which is the agricultural beauty of the country. The cropping pattern also helps to prevent soil compaction and thus improves the physical condition of the soil. The crop rotation is also helpful in improving the structure and texture of the soil. This also allows the proper conditions for germination along with root proliferation. 

The cropping pattern also has the properties of cultivating different crops at different points in time. It also indicates the time and arrangement of crops in the particular land area with the particular time. The major reason behind the efficiency improvement through crop patterns is the availability of resources along with the climatic variations. Land and water are two major resources for growing crops that are available in India profoundly.

Different types of cropping pattern 

The cropping patterns can be created by the farmers on the basis of the texture of the soil, climate and the availability of the resources. However, there are three major types of cropping patterns that are listed below:

• Mixed Cropping: Mixed cropping is considered as one of the most traditional forms of cropping patterns that customize agricultural production which involves growing crops of different species at the same time. For example, wheat and gram can be grown in the same land at the same time using a mixed cropping method.
• Intercropping: Intercropping is also considered as a traditional cropping method where multiple cropping practices involve two and more than two crops are grown in proximity. It is the process that involves growing more than one crop simultaneously with rows and patterns made in the soil. For example, Soybean can be grown with maize along with finger Millets and Cowpea.
• Crop Rotation: Crop Rotation is the practice of planting different types of crops simultaneously in the same plot of land. It also helps in improving the soil health, optimizing the nutrients in it along with the use to combat pest and weed pressure. For example, broccoli can be grown along with the winter wheat and sweet corn rotation, wheat can be grown along with the fallow, alfalfa, potato and grass seed rotation, and other combinations depending on the various factors.

These are the major types of cropping patterns that help in boosting the efficiency and sustainability of the ground crops. These methods also help in increasing productivity along with maintaining the texture and nutrients from the soil, thus helping to reduce soil erosion.

Cropping system and cropping pattern  

Cropping system and cropping pattern are the two most common words in the different concepts to understand the agriculture system of the country. The cropping pattern refers to the yearly sequence along with the particular arrangement of crops in a particular piece of land. On the other hand, the cropping system refers to the interaction with the resources along with technology and the environment. The cropping system and cropping pattern together are necessary for the growth and production management in the field of agriculture. These techniques are executed at the field level and determine the use of various technologies.

Conclusion

The cropping pattern depends on the seasonal changes to suit the climatic conditions required for growing different types of crops. It helps in the production of more grains in a year and helps in growing different crops in the year for alternating crops with legumes. The indication of time and management of crops in a particular land area determines the cropping pattern. This process reduces soil erosion and helps the soil to retain its nutrients and retain its composition.