explain intercropping and how it is different from mixed cropping ?
state any two advantage of intercropping
Answers
intercropping means growing of different crops in same field
mixed cropping means growing of crops and rearing of animals in same field
advantage
by intercropping we get various types of crops from same field
it save our time and field
The difference between mixed cropping and intercropping are described in the points given below:
---->When two or more crops are sown and cultivated at the same time in the particular area, then this type of cropping pattern is known as mixed cropping. On the other hand, intercropping is a method of growing crops in which two types of crops are sown and cultivated concurrently, in the same land, in a definite pattern.
---->Seeds are sown in separate rows in intercropping, in a specific sequence. In contrast, there is no such order followed in the case of mixed cropping.
---->The seeds are combined properly and mixed in the field in the case of mixed cropping. Conversely, no such mixing is done in intercropping, before sowing them.
---->In mixed cropping, same fertilizer and pesticide are applied to all the crops. In contrast, specific fertilizer and pesticide are applied to each crop in intercropping.
---->Mixed cropping is employed to reduce the risk of crop failure due to adverse weather conditions. On the contrary, intercropping helps in increasing the productivity of the crop.
---->In mixed cropping, there exists a competition between the crops sown, whereas, in intercropping, no such competition between the crops exist.
Advantages of Intercropping
1. Greater Income, Greater Yield
Intercropping offers greater financial returns for a farmer. Even if you are growing some produce for your own family or just as part of a hobby, you will have multiple types of produce, which is always a nice outcome. Intercropping will help farmers use the same land as available and yield more as well as diverse produce. This generates more income for the farmer without really taking up any major expenditure. The infrastructure available or the land used remains the same.
2. Insurance against Crop Damage
Intercropping can be the insurance that farmers need, especially when the region is vulnerable to weather extremes. Drought, torrential rain, hurricanes or cyclones and various other weather elements can affect the yield of a given year or season. Having diverse yields allows the farmer to have some income even if the primary crop gets damaged or doesn’t yield as much as expected.