Cropping Systems

1. Cropping System – Meaning
   A cropping system refers to the pattern and sequence of crops grown on a farm over a specific period of time.
2. Importance of Cropping Systems
   Proper cropping systems ensure efficient use of land, labour, water, and nutrients while enhancing farm income.
3. Types of Cropping Systems
   Major types include monocropping, multiple cropping, mixed cropping, intercropping, and sequential cropping.
4. Monocropping System
   Monocropping involves growing a single crop repeatedly on the same land, increasing risks of pests and soil degradation.
5. Multiple Cropping System
   Multiple cropping means raising more than one crop on the same land in a year to maximize production per unit area.
6. Mixed Cropping
   Mixed cropping involves cultivating two or more crops together without a fixed row pattern to minimise the risk of total crop failure.
7. Intercropping
   Intercropping is the cultivation of two or more crops simultaneously in a definite row arrangement for better resource utilization.
8. Advantages of Intercropping
   It improves yield stability, reduces pest infestation, enhances soil fertility, and increases overall productivity.
9. Sequential Cropping
   Sequential cropping involves growing crops one after another on the same field within a year without overlap.
10. Relay Cropping
    Relay cropping is the practice of sowing the next crop before harvesting the previous crop to save time and moisture.
11. Crop Rotation
    Crop rotation is the planned sequence of crops grown over seasons to maintain soil fertility and break pest cycles.
12. Benefits of Crop Rotation
    It improves nutrient balance, controls weeds and diseases, and enhances soil physical properties.
13. Cropping Intensity
    Cropping intensity is the ratio of gross cropped area to net sown area, expressed as a percentage.
14. Determinants of Cropping Systems
    Climate, soil type, water availability, technology, and socio-economic conditions influence cropping systems.
15. Rainfed Cropping System
    Rainfed systems depend solely on rainfall and are common in dryland and semi-arid regions.
16. Irrigated Cropping System
    Irrigated systems rely on an assured water supply, allowing the cultivation of water-intensive and multiple crops.
17. Dryland Cropping System
    Dryland cropping is practiced in areas receiving low rainfall, emphasizing moisture conservation techniques.
18. Cropping System and Soil Fertility
    Inclusion of legumes in cropping systems improves nitrogen availability and soil health.
19. Cropping System and Pest Management
    Diversified cropping systems reduce pest buildup and disease spread compared to monocropping.
20. Cropping System and Water Use Efficiency
    Appropriate crop combinations improve water-use efficiency, especially in water-scarce regions.
21. Cropping System and Sustainability
    Sustainable cropping systems balance productivity with conservation of natural resources.
22. Cropping Pattern vs Cropping System
    Cropping pattern refers only to the proportion of crops grown, whereas a cropping system includes management practices.
23. Intensive Cropping System
    Intensive systems aim at high productivity through increased cropping intensity and input use.
24. Integrated Cropping System
    Integrated systems combine crops with livestock, fisheries, or agroforestry for higher farm income.
25. Role of Cropping Systems in the NABARD Context
    Cropping systems are vital for rural livelihoods, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development.