For Detail Analysis
Refer Class Lecture
Cropping Pa+ern
• Defini(on: Propor(on of area under various crops at a given (me; it changes
over space and (me.
• Involves crop rota(on, type and arrangement of crops in (me and space,
yearly sequence, and propor(on of crops.
Cropping Pa+ern in India
• Base crop: occupies the highest % of sown area.
• Example: Maharashtra - CoGon (base) with Jowar (alterna(ve) → CoGon
Jowar paGern.
• Eastern India - Rice (base) with Jute and Tea → Rice-Jute-Tea paGern.
Mixed Farming
• System combining crop produc(on, livestock, poultry, fisheries, etc.
• Provides mutual benefits (e.g., caGle dung as manure, milk/meat in low
produc(vity).
• Objec&ve: subsistence with higher profitability without harming ecology.
• Includes organic farming and integrated systems like rice-fish.
Types of Cropping Systems
• Mono Cropping: Same crop on same land yearly (e.g., rice con(nuously).
• Mul&ple Cropping: Growing two or more crops on the same land in a year.
• Increases land use efficiency without harming soil fer(lity.
• Limi&ng factors: irriga(on intensity, long-dura(on crop varie(es.
Types of Mul;ple Cropping
Intercropping:
1.Two or more crops
simultaneously in
rows/ra(os (e.g., Maize,
Soybean, Oats)
2. Mixed Cropping:
Two or more crops simultaneously without fixed rows (broadcast method).
3. Sequence (Sequen;al) Cropping Two or more crops in succession on same
land; no overlap (e.g., Maize → Potato → Chilli).
4. Relay cropping** FOR DETAIL REFER CLASS LECTURE**
Relay Cropping: Second crop planted before the first one is harvested, crops overlap (e.g.,
Potato sown before Maize harvest.
5. Ratoon Cropping: Growing new crop from stubble of previous crop without
replan(ng (e.g., Sugarcane).
Ratoon Cropping:
a. Ratoon cropping is a type of
sequen(al cropping.
b. In this method, a fresh crop grows
from the stubble (the lower part of
the crop le^ a^er harves(ng) or
suckers of the previous crop
without replan(ng.
c. There is no need to replant the
crop.
d. Common examples include sugarcane and bananas.
e. It is also referred to as stubble cropping, re-harves(ng, or second crop
cropping. This method helps save (me and labour since the new crop grows
from the exis(ng plant base.
6.Mul; storeyed Cropping:
Crops of different heights grown together faster together due to efficient use of light, space,
nutrients, and moisture.
(e.g., Sugarcane + Mustard + Onion)
THE BENEFITS OF MULTI-LAYER FARMING.
1. Increased yield
Growing several crops together increases yields because their roots fertilize each
other and because more plants are working together to produce more food.
2. Faster growth
Many crops grow faster when they’re grown together, especially if they’re planted
close to each other and watered regularly.
Example- Coconut + Black Pepper + Pineapple + Groundnut
• Coconut (Top Layer): Provides shade, reduces evaporation, and creates a humid
microclimate.
• Black Pepper (Climbing Layer): Climbs coconut trees; grows faster with support
and humidity.
• Pineapple (Middle Layer): Thrives in partial shade; benefits from cooler soil and
less light competition.
• Groundnut (Ground Layer): Covers soil, fixes nitrogen, retains moisture, and
supports faster growth.
3. Fewer weeds
Because weeds compete with crops for water, nutrients, and sunlight, they tend to
crowd out slower-growing plants when they are allowed to grow unchecked by
human interference (weeding). But if you plant fast-growing plants among slower
ones, you will have fewer weeds overall.
4. Fewer pests
Pests prefer certain kinds of plants over others so planting a mix of different species
reduces pest problems overall by making it harder for them to find their favourite
foods.
5. Increased biodiversity -by growing mul(ple plant types together, crea(ng
habitats for birds, bees, and insects that support pollina(on and healthy ecosystems.
The cash flow is maintained by multilayer farming. Farmers can maintain financial
viability throughout the year by growing different crops.
• It also employs a large number of people throughout the year.
• It also helps to mitigate the effects of severe rain, landslides, and soil
erosion.
