differentiate between inter cropping mixed cropping and crop rotation
Answers
When we mix crops, we plant two different seeds in the same rows, like planting legumes in the same row as corn. The legumes (peas or beans) grow and mature more quickly, and vines climb the corn stalks so the harvest is less back-breaking. Since legumes don’t depend on added soil nitrogen, and corn does, it may form some small symbiotic relationship, but that is just conjecture.
Intercropping is the planting of the regular rows, usually a slow growing produce crop (Brussels sprouts as an example) then planting a faster growing crop between the rows (radishes for example). The first crop is harvested, then the second, increasing production and profit.
Crop rotation is the planting of different crops on one field in successive growing seasons. This may help the soil recover from high demand crops, and decrease insects or pests that depend on one crop, and don’t do well with the next.
Advantages of having an intercrop :
If the main crop is damaged, the inter crop will be the life saviour of the farmer.
The land exposed will be less, if an intercrop is added, there by reducing the weed growth.
The run off can be reduced.
Soil erosion can be decreased.
Crop rotation :
sowing of a different crop every season is called crop rotation.
Advantages :
The pest of the previous crop will not be a problem.
The fertilizer recommendations can be reduced if a good pattern of crops is selected.
Conditions to be followed in crop rotation and intercropping :
Shallow rooted crop should follow a deep rooted crop.
Legume plant followed by a non legume
Cereals followed by pulses.
Advantages of Mixed farming:
Farmers can keep their fields under continuous production.
There is reduction in the need of artificial fertilizers which can otherwise be expensive.
There is geographic mixing of crops; this can help slow the spread of pest and other diseases in the growing season.
It also reduces the effects of adverse weather conditions for the farmer as planting and harvest is at different times of the season.
There are more land to be farmed with the same amount of labor and machinery.
According to some scientific basis there is 10-25% increase in the yield in mixed farming versus monoculture.
There are many cost related advantages in intercropping. Financial risks are distributed over diverse production of crops and livestock.
There is less dependence on the purchased inputs and over time crops maintain productivity with lesser inputs.
This system is a powerful tool to improve agricultural systems.