Question

Mention basis of crops selection in intercropping and crop rotation

Answer 1

Inter-cropping refers to growing different kinds of crops in the same piece of land at the same time.
Crop rotation refers to the successive growth of different plants on the same piece of land at different times.
The basis for choosing the crops for inter-cropping and crop rotation depends on the following:

1)Root pattern: one of the crops have to be deep rooted while the other shallow rooted. This ensures maximal use of soil nutrient and reduces competition.
2)Nutrient need: the nutrient need for the chosen crops must differ to avoid
competition. 
3)Water requirement: the water requirement for the chosen crops has to differ. With one crop using less water than the other.
4)Crop duration: The crops must differ in their time maturity. One taking a short time in the filed and the other a longer period.
5)Growth pattern: the crops grow to different lengths and give varied shade.