Cropping Systems

Cropping Systems

1. Monoculture

   • Continuous cultivation & production of only one crop for many years.
   • Leads to a build up and rapid spread of pests and diseases
   • Failure of the crop can result in severe economic loss.

2. Multiple Cropping (Mixed Cropping)

   • The cultivation of two or more crops simultaneously on the same plot of land
   • - Short and long growth period crops
     • Different heights
       • Deep rooted and shallow rooted
         • Water and nutrient requirements not the same
   • Benefits: - soil fertility, irrigation & drainage
     • pest control
       • weed control & fertilizer application management
         • Control of soil erosion
           • Smaller risk of crop failure
             • Variety
               • Reduction of pest infestations

3. Intercropping

   • Cultivation of a short-term crop between plants of medium term crops
   • Earning of quick income while main crop develops
   • Care selection
   • Soil fertility
     • Increase soil nitrogen
       • Control soil erosion

4. Crop rotation

   • Cultivation of selected crops in succession on the same plot
   • Use of soil nutrients at different levels
   • Prevention of build up of pests & diseases

5. Phased cropping

   • Continuous cropping and harvesting
   • Land divided into 4
     • Planting dates are sequenced
   • Steady income
   • Prevents over supply

6. Strip cropping & contour cropping

   • Cultivation of crops on sloping land
   • Strip - planting different crops in strips of varying width on flat undulating or sloping land
     • Soil conservation on slopes
       • Similar advantages to multiple cropping
   • Contour - land is ploughed along contours & crops planted
     • Soil erosion through heavy rainfall prevented