what are the Multiple cropping systems of farming.. Agriculture is the backbone of the world’s economy and society, providing food and other essential resources for human existence. With the world population increasing every day, there is a growing need for more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. Multiple cropping is one such farming system that has the potential to address this need.
characteristics of multiple farming systems
Multiple cropping systems involve growing two or more crops on the same piece of land during the same growing season. This farming technique has been used for centuries in many parts of the world and has numerous benefits over traditional monoculture farming.
Importance of multiple farming systems
One of the key benefits of multiple cropping systems is that they can increase overall productivity on the land. By growing multiple crops, farmers can utilize the full potential of the soil and its nutrients. This can help to reduce soil erosion and prevent the depletion of vital nutrients from the soil.
Multiple cropping systems can also help to reduce pest and disease problems. By growing different crops, farmers can break up pest cycles and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks. Additionally, these systems can provide a natural form of weed control, as different crops can outcompete each other for resources.
types of multiple farming systems
There are several different types of multiple cropping systems, including intercropping, relay cropping, and mixed cropping.
Intercropping involves planting two or more crops in the same field at the same time. The crops are grown close together and can either be planted in alternate rows or mixed together. The idea behind intercropping is that the crops will complement each other by utilizing different nutrients and water sources. For example, legumes such as beans and peas can be intercropped with cereal crops like maize or wheat. The legumes fix nitrogen from the air, which can benefit cereal crops.
Relay cropping involves planting a second crop in the same field after the first crop has already been harvested. This technique can help to maximize land use and reduce the time between harvests. For example, soybeans can be planted immediately after wheat is harvested, allowing farmers to get two crops from the same field in a single growing season.
Mixed cropping involves planting different crops in the same field and allowing them to grow together. Unlike intercropping, the crops are not necessarily planted in rows or in any particular pattern. Mixed cropping can provide a range of benefits, including improved soil fertility, weed suppression, and increased biodiversity.
In conclusion, multiple cropping systems are an effective way to increase agricultural productivity, reduce pest and disease problems, and improve soil fertility. With the world population continuing to grow, these systems will become increasingly important in meeting the demand for food and other essential resources. Farmers and policymakers alike should work to promote and support these sustainable farming practices.
This is a system which is almost similar to that of mixed cropping. multiple cropping systems is the growing of different crops on the same piece of land more than once a year, and harvesting them at different times.
The principle of the method is that the first crop is harvested before planting the others during the same season.
One type of crop or more crops may be involved in this system. The multiple-system farmer may be practising double or triple cropping. In double cropping, a crop such as maize is grown two times during the same season on the same piece of land.
The first crop is grown in late March or early April and harvested in July or August before another one is planted in August and harvested in November or December.
The first crop is known as the early maize, while the second one is known as the late maize. This system can be referred to as relay cropping.
This system is commonly practised in the Southern part of Nigeria where the temperature and rainfall conditions are favourable. It can also be adopted where irrigation is practised.
ADVANTAGES OF MULTIPLE CROPPING
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Multiple cropping systems of farming, also known as intercropping, is an agricultural practice that involves planting two or more crops on the same land simultaneously or in sequence. This practice has been used for centuries, and it remains a popular farming method in many parts of the world. In this blog post, we will explore the different multiple cropping systems of farming and their benefits.
The first system is known as mixed intercropping. In this system, two or more crops are planted together on the same piece of land. This is done to increase yield, as the crops complement each other by using different resources. For example, legumes are often mixed with cereal crops as they fix nitrogen in the soil, which the cereal crops can then use to grow. This system is particularly useful in areas where resources are limited, as it allows farmers to maximize their use of the land.
The second system is known as relay cropping. In this system, one crop is planted after another has been harvested. This allows farmers to use the same land twice in a year, increasing the yield and the income generated from the land. For example, wheat can be planted in the winter, and then soybeans can be planted in the same field after the wheat has been harvested in the summer.
The third system is known as strip cropping. In this system, different crops are planted in strips, alternating with each other. This is done to prevent soil erosion and increase soil fertility, as the crops help to retain moisture in the soil and prevent the loss of nutrients. For example, maize can be planted in one strip, followed by soybeans in the next strip, and then wheat in the next strip.
The fourth system is known as companion cropping. In this system, crops are planted together for mutual benefit. For example, marigolds can be planted with tomatoes, as marigolds help to repel pests that would otherwise harm the tomatoes. This system can be used to increase yield, reduce pest damage, and improve soil fertility.
The benefits of multiple cropping systems of farming are numerous. First and foremost, they increase yield, which can help to improve food security and increase income for farmers. They also help to improve soil fertility and prevent soil erosion, which is essential for sustainable agriculture. In addition, they can help to reduce the need for pesticides and other chemicals, as the crops work together to repel pests and diseases.
In conclusion, multiple cropping systems of farming are an effective and sustainable agricultural practice that has been used for centuries. By planting two or more crops on the same land simultaneously or in sequence, farmers can increase yield, improve soil fertility, and reduce the need for pesticides and other chemicals. As the world faces increasing pressure to produce more food sustainably, multiple cropping systems of farming will undoubtedly play a critical role in meeting this challenge.
DISADVANTAGES OF MULTIPLE CROPPING
(i) It requires an adequate and regular supply of water
(ii) The soil may be over-used
WEED AND THEIR BOTANICAL NAMES
1. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
2. DISEASES
3. 52. SOIL MICRO-ORGANISMS
4. ORGANIC MANURING
5. FARM YARD MANURE
6. HUMUS
7. COMPOST
8. CROP ROTATION
9. GRAZING AND OVERGRAZING 10. IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE
11. IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
12. ORGANIC MANURING
13. FARM YARD MANURE
14. HUMUSES
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