Cropping Systems

Definitions

• Cropping System: The order in which crops are grown on a piece of land over a fixed period.
• Cropping Pattern: Yearly sequence and spatial arrangement of crops on the same land over the same period.
• Crop Rotation: Systematic recurrent succession of crops on the same land. E.g., Jowar-Gram, Groundnut-Wheat.

Classification of Cropping Systems

• Based on Cropping Frequency

1. Monoculture/Monocropping

• • Growing only one crop repeatedly on the same land.
  • Examples: Rice-Rice, Bajra-Bajra
  • Advantages: Mechanization in sowing & harvesting.
  • Disadvantages: Soil fertility decline, increased pests/weeds, soil structure deterioration.

2. Multiple/Intensive Cropping

• • Growing two or more crops in succession, sequence, or association in a year.
  • Examples: Sorghum-Wheat-Green Gram, Rice-Wheat-Black Gram-Linseed
  • Types:
    • Parallel Multiple Cropping: Crops grown simultaneously (e.g., mixed cropping, intercropping).
    • Sequential Multiple Cropping: Crops grown one after another (double, triple, quadruple cropping).
    • Ratoon Cropping: Regrowth from basal buds after harvest (e.g., Sugarcane, Hybrid Jowar).
• Fallowing
  • Leaving land uncultivated to conserve moisture & maintain fertility.

Parallel Multiple Cropping

a) Mixed Cropping

• • Crops sown together without row distinction.
  • Examples: Maize + Green Gram + Pigeon Pea
  • Advantages: Reduces risk, improves soil fertility, increases returns.
  • Disadvantages: Pest control & harvesting difficult.
  • Types: Mixed crop, Companion crop, Guard crop, Augmenting crop

i) Mixed Crop

• Definition: Seeds of two or more crops are mixed together and sown either in lines or broadcast.
• Example: Maize + Green Gram + Pigeon Pea
• Key Point: No distinct row arrangement; crops grow together.

ii) Companion Crop

• Definition: Different crops are sown in separate rows but in association for mutual benefit.
• Example: Mustard/Potato/Onion + Sugarcane
• Key Point: Crops complement each other; not mixed.

iii) Guard Crop

• Definition: Hardy crop grown around the main crop to protect it.
• Example: Safflower around wheat, Mesta around sugarcane
• Key Point: Acts as a protective barrier against wind, pests, or soil erosion.

iv) Augmenting Crop

• Definition: Sub-crop sown to supplement the yield of the main crop.
• Example: Japanese mustard with Berseem
• Key Point: Increases total yield, improves resource utilization, and reduces risk of total crop failure.

b) Intercropping

• • Intercrop grown between rows of main crop with minimal competition.
  • Examples: Maize + Pigeon Pea (2:1), Cotton + Green Gram (2:1)
  • Characteristics of good intercrop: Early/late maturing, different rooting depth, legumes preferred.
  • Advantages: Better resource use, reduces erosion, pest & disease control.
  • Disadvantages: Difficult mechanization, higher water requirement.
  • Types: Row, Patch, Strip, Relay intercropping

c) Relay Cropping

• • Next crop sown before preceding crop is harvested.
  • Advantages: Efficient resource use, lower cost, less labour.
  • Disadvantages: Higher risk of failure, mechanization difficult.

d) Alley Cropping

• • Growing crops in alleys of leguminous shrubs.
  • Advantages: Soil fertility improvement, fodder supply.
  • Disadvantages: Competition for resources, lower yield.
  • Types: Food-cum-fodder, Food-cum-mulch, Food-cum-pole systems

e) Multistoreyed Cropping

• • Crops of different heights grown together.
  • Advantages: Better use of sunlight, nutrients, space; balanced food.
  • Disadvantages: Labour intensive, higher pest incidence.

e) Synergetic Cropping

• • Combined yield of crops > yield in pure stands.
  • Types: Additive Series (efficient, LER >1), Replacement Series (LER <1)

Sequential Multiple Cropping

• Double Cropping: Two crops in sequence (e.g., Rice-Gram).
• Triple Cropping: Three crops in sequence (e.g., Groundnut-Wheat-Okra).
• Quadruple Cropping: Four crops in sequence (e.g., Soybean-Methi-Wheat-Green Gram).

Important Terms

• Base Crop: Major crop in intercropping.
• Intercrop: Additional crop in intercropping.
• Main Crop: Major crop in mixed cropping.
• Subsidiary/Mixed Crop: Minor crop in mixed cropping.
• Companion Crop: Grown for complementary effect.
• Component Crop: Any crop in multiple cropping.

Land Equivalent Ratio (LER)

• LER >1: Intercropping is advantageous.
• LER = 1: No advantage.

Advantages of Multiple Cropping

• Higher total production & income.
• Even distribution of labour & resources.
• Meets diverse food, fodder, oilseed requirements.
• Regular cash flow throughout year.

Disadvantages

• Soil fertility may decline.
• Pest, disease, and weed control is difficult.
• Continuous cropping may affect soil structure.