Cropping Systems and Cropping Patterns PPT - Agrobotany

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Introduction 

Cropping systems refer to the practices of growing crops in a planned sequence and spatial arrangement over time on a piece of land. These systems are crucial in agricultural management as they determine the overall productivity, sustainability, and profitability of farming operations.

Evolution of Cropping Systems

In traditional agriculture, productivity was enhanced in two primary ways:

• Expanding cultivated land – Increasing the area under agriculture to boost total production.
• Enhancing yield per unit area – Improving productivity by adopting better crop varieties and agronomic practices.

With advancements in modern agriculture, two additional aspects have been introduced:

• Maximizing production per unit of time – Increasing cropping intensity to harvest more within a year.
• Maximizing production per unit of space – Efficient utilization of available land through intercropping, mixed cropping, and multi-tier cropping systems.

Traditional vs. Modern Cropping Systems

Traditional cropping systems evolved over time through farmers’ experience, using trial-and-error methods to develop crop mixtures and rotations suited to specific agro-climatic and socio-economic conditions. These systems were primarily focused on ensuring food security and yield stability.

In contrast, modern scientific cropping systems rely on three fundamental components:

1. Genotype

The genetic constitution of crop varieties, which determines their yield potential, resistance to pests, and adaptability to specific environments.

2. Planting Geometry

Refers to the arrangement and spacing of plants on the field. It includes:

• Shape of planting patterns such as square, rectangular, circular, or cuboidal.
• Plant population per unit area, which affects resource utilization and yield potential. Among these, the cuboidal planting system accommodates the highest number of plants per unit area.

3. Management Practices

Encompasses all agronomic operations for efficient crop production. Key aspects include:

• Selection and arrangement of crops in time and space (cropping pattern).
• Choosing appropriate crop varieties.
• Methods of planting and crop establishment.
• Pest and disease management.
• Timely harvesting and post-harvest management.

Cropping Patterns and Cropping Systems

Definition of Cropping Pattern

A cropping pattern represents the sequence and spatial arrangement of crops grown by farmers in a particular region. It is determined by ecological conditions, market demand, and available resources. It includes:

• Crop rotation followed by a majority of farmers in a specific area.
• The arrangement of crops over time and space in a given location.
• Yearly cropping sequences or the combination of crops and fallow periods within a fixed area.
• Proportion of land area allocated to different crops at any given time.

Definition of Cropping System

A cropping system is the strategic combination of cropping patterns and management practices to optimize resource utilization under specific environmental conditions. Unlike cropping patterns, cropping systems vary across regions due to differences in climate, soil type, and available technologies.

Features of Cropping Systems

• Interrelationship with farm resources and technology – The choice of crops and their sequence depends on factors such as soil fertility, water availability, and access to inputs.
• Land utilization pattern – It defines the order in which crops are grown on a particular piece of land over a specific period, integrating soil management practices like tillage, fertilization, and irrigation.

In summary, while cropping patterns focus on the types and sequences of crops grown, cropping systems integrate these patterns with appropriate management practices to achieve long-term agricultural sustainability.

Cropping Scheme

A cropping scheme refers to the strategic plan for growing crops on specific plots within a farm to maximize productivity while preserving soil fertility. The selection of crops in a cropping scheme is influenced by factors such as soil health, expected yields, labor availability, capital investment, and market prices. The ultimate goal is to achieve the highest returns without compromising long-term soil sustainability.

Types of Cropping Systems

1. Mono Cropping (Monoculture)

Mono cropping, also known as monoculture, involves cultivating the same crop on the same land year after year. This system simplifies farming operations but can lead to soil nutrient depletion and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.

2. Multiple Cropping

Multiple cropping is the practice of growing two or more crops on the same field within a year. It enhances cropping intensity in both time and space by increasing the number of crops cultivated annually and optimizing land use efficiency. However, successful implementation requires adequate irrigation and the selection of suitable crop varieties.

A recent improvement in the definition of multiple cropping includes soil fertility management, ensuring that repeated cultivation does not degrade soil health.

Types of Multiple Cropping

• Intercropping
• Mixed Cropping
• Sequential Cropping (Non-Overlapping Cropping)
• Relay Cropping (Overlapping Cropping)

1. Intercropping

Intercropping involves cultivating two or more crops simultaneously on the same field in a structured pattern with defined row arrangements or fixed ratios. This system optimizes space utilization and is commonly practiced with crops having different growth habits.

Examples:

• Wheat + Mustard (9:1 ratio)
• Setaria + Red Gram (5:1 ratio)

Common Types of Intercropping

(i) Parallel Cropping

Parallel cropping involves cultivating crops that have different growth habits and minimal competition for resources. This ensures efficient use of nutrients and sunlight.

Example:

Black Gram / Green Gram + Maize
The peak nutrient demand for Urd or Mung occurs around 30-35 days after sowing, whereas for Maize, it is 50 days after sowing.

(ii) Companion Cropping

In companion cropping, two crops are grown together in such a way that their total yield remains comparable to that of their pure stands.

Example:

Mustard / Potato / Onion + Sugarcane
The production of individual crops remains stable when grown with sugarcane.

(iii) Multistoreyed / Multitiered / Multilevel Cropping

This system involves growing crops of varying heights together on the same land, ensuring efficient utilization of vertical space.

This system integrates short-duration, fast-growing fruits and vegetables along with food and fodder crops, utilizing the spaces between principal horticultural and plantation crops.

Advantages of Multistoryed Cropping:

• Efficient utilization of solar energy and soil layers.
• Suitable for both plains and hilly regions.
• Uses the canopy structure and root depth variation of different crops to optimize space and resources.
• Helps in better utilization of vertical space in agriculture.

This system is based on the annidation principle, where different crops occupy distinct ecological niches within the same space.

Example:

Sugarcane + Mustard + Onion/Potato

(iv) Synergetic Cropping

In synergetic cropping, the yield of both crops is higher when grown together compared to their individual yields in monoculture.

Example:

Sugarcane + Potato

Types of Intercropping Based on Plant Population

(a) Additive Series Intercropping

- In this method, one crop is designated as the main (base) crop, while the second crop is introduced as an intercrop by adjusting row spacing and planting geometry.
- The population of the base crop remains the same as in a pure stand, whereas the population of the intercrop is reduced.
- This system is widely used in India to generate additional income and minimize risks.

Example:

Potato planted between the rows of sugarcane (90 cm spacing).

(b) Replacement Series Intercropping

- In this system, both crops are considered component crops, meaning neither is dominant.
- The population of both crops is reduced compared to their recommended densities in a pure stand.
- This system is commonly practiced in Western countries.

Pre-requisites for Successful Intercropping

Intercropping aims to maximize productivity per unit area while ensuring stability in agricultural output. This method enhances resource utilization and minimizes risks. For intercropping to be successful, several key conditions must be met:

• Non-Overlapping Nutrient Demand: The peak nutrient requirements of the component crops should not coincide. For example, in maize and urd/moong intercropping, the peak nutrient demand for urd/moong occurs 30–35 days after sowing, whereas for maize, it is 50–55 days after sowing.
• Minimal Light Competition: Component crops should be arranged in a way that reduces competition for sunlight, allowing each crop to receive sufficient light for optimal growth.
• Complementary Crop Interaction: The crops grown together should complement each other rather than compete for resources, improving overall yield and efficiency.
• Different Maturity Periods: The maturity difference between the component crops should be at least 30 days to prevent resource competition and ensure a smooth cropping sequence.
• Limited Competition for CO₂ and Water: Crops should be selected to minimize competition for carbon dioxide and water, ensuring sustainable growth and productivity.

2. Mixed Cropping

Mixed cropping involves growing two or more crops together on the same land without a specific row pattern or a fixed ratio. This method is commonly practiced in dryland regions of India and follows the traditional broadcasting method of seed sowing.

Features of Mixed Cropping:

• It is a subsistence farming practice that ensures food security and fodder availability.
• The primary objective is to reduce the risk of total crop failure due to adverse climatic conditions.
• Intercropping has evolved as a more structured and scientific approach to mixed cropping.
• The scientific study of mixed cropping was first conducted by La Flitze in 1928.

3. Sequential Cropping (Sequence Cropping)

Sequential cropping refers to cultivating two or more crops in rapid succession on the same piece of land within a single farming year. The next crop is either sown immediately after harvesting the previous crop or in close succession.

Examples of Sequential Cropping:

• After harvesting maize, potato is planted.
• After digging out the potato crop, chili is sown.

Since the crops do not overlap in growth stages, sequential cropping is also known as non-overlapping cropping. Another variant of sequential cropping is ratooning, where a new crop is grown from the stubble of the previous crop.

4. Relay Cropping

Relay cropping is inspired by the relay race concept, where one runner hands over the baton to the next. In this system, the next crop is planted before the previous crop is fully harvested.

Characteristics of Relay Cropping:

• It involves overlapping crop cycles, where crops share part of their growth period.
• Typically, the second crop is sown when the first crop has reached its reproductive stage but is not yet ready for harvest.

Examples of Relay Cropping:

• Potato is planted before harvesting maize.
• Radish is sown before potato harvesting.
• Paira or Utera Cropping (practiced in Bihar & West Bengal): In this method, Lathyrus or lentil is sown before the harvesting of rice in lowland areas.
• Nursery planting can also be considered a form of relay cropping.

Recommended Relay Cropping Pattern for North-West India (Dr. Sher Singh Bains):

Moong → Maize → Potato → Wheat

Crop Selection for Intensive Multiple Cropping

For successful intensive cropping, the selection and arrangement of crops should consider the following factors:

• Avoiding Negative Interactions:
  • Crops should be arranged to prevent allelopathic effects (chemical inhibition of one plant by another).
  • The risk of temporary nutrient immobilization and depletion from the same soil layer should be minimized.
• Role of Legumes:
  • Legumes play a vital role in cropping systems as they have minimal resource demand.
  • They improve soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen in their root nodules.
• Importance of Vegetables:
  • Vegetables should be included in multiple cropping due to their high economic value and nutritional benefits.
  • Since many vegetables can be raised in nurseries and later transplanted, they help optimize land use by reducing the main field duration.

By strategically planning cropping systems, farmers can enhance productivity, maintain soil fertility, and ensure sustainability in agricultural practices.

Major Cropping Patterns in India

1. Rice-Wheat Cropping System

Common in the Indo-Gangetic plains (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar). Rice is grown in Kharif, followed by wheat in Rabi. Highly productive but leads to groundwater depletion.

2. Rice-Rice System

Practiced in areas with heavy rainfall and irrigation availability (West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh). High yield but requires intensive water use.

3. Millet-Based Cropping Pattern

Found in dryland regions (Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka). Crops include bajra, jowar, ragi, pulses, and oilseeds.

4. Legume-Based Cropping Pattern

Important in nitrogen fixation and soil fertility improvement. Common crops are chickpea, pigeon pea, groundnut, and soybean.

5. Sugarcane-Based System

Predominantly in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Sugarcane is a long-duration crop, sometimes followed by wheat or pulses.

6. Coastal Cropping System

Found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Goa. Includes rice, coconut, arecanut, and spices like black pepper and cardamom.

Efficient Cropping Systems and Their Evaluation

Efficient cropping systems are characterized by high productivity, resource-use efficiency, and sustainability. Evaluating cropping systems involves considering various factors such as economic viability, environmental impact, and social acceptability.

Factors for Evaluating Efficient Cropping Systems

Yield Stability

Systems that consistently produce high yields under varying climatic conditions are preferred.

Resource Use Efficiency

Efficient systems optimize the use of water, nutrients, and inputs like fertilizers and pesticides to minimize costs and environmental impact.

Environmental Sustainability

Sustainable cropping systems promote biodiversity, conserve soil health, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions and chemical runoff.

Methods of Evaluation

Economic Analysis

Assessing costs, returns, and profitability of different cropping systems helps farmers choose economically viable options.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

LCA evaluates the environmental impact of cropping systems from cradle to grave, considering factors like carbon footprint, energy use, and water consumption.

Social Impact Assessment

Evaluating the social benefits and drawbacks of cropping systems on local communities, including employment, food security, and cultural practices.

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