Principles

Crop Diversification

kiran — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 16:05:26 +0000

Crop Diversification kiran Tue, 10/02/2018 - 21:50

Crop diversification refers to the addition of new crops or cropping systems to agricultural production on a particular farm taking into account the different returns from value-added crops with complementary marketing opportunities. It is intended to give a wider choice in the production of a variety of crops in a given area so as to expand production related activities on various crops and also to lessen risk. It is generally viewed as a shift from traditionally grown less remunerative crops to more remunerative crops. Often low volume high-value crops like spices also aid in crop diversification. Crop diversification and also the growing of large number of crops are practiced in rainfed lands to reduce the risk factor of crop failures due to drought or less rains. Crop substitution and shift can be done in the areas with distinct soil problems. For example, the growing of rice in high water table areas replacing oilseeds, pulses and cotton; promotion of soybean in place of sorghum in vertisols (medium and deep black soils) etc.

The aim of crop diversification is to increase crop portfolio so that farmers are not dependent on a single crop to generate their income. Diversification of agricultural production can increase natural biodiversity, strengthening the ability of the agro-ecosystem to respond to various stresses, reducing the risk of total crop failure and also providing producers with alternative means of generating income.

Crop Residues

kiran — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 16:04:48 +0000

Crop Residues kiran Tue, 10/02/2018 - 21:49

Crop residues are the left overs in the field after grains have been harvested. In the past, they were considered as waste but researches have shown that they have very high value in nutrient, erosion control, infiltration, carbon sequestration and many more. Crop residue should be left in the field instead of harvesting.

Crop residues are important source of nutrient for maintaining soil productivity. Crop residues differ in terms of nutrient content in them. It was found that leaves and husks contain more nutrient than stalk. To maintain soil organic matter at its best, it is estimated that 2 to 3 ton/acre of crop residue should be left in the field annually through conservation tillage or no till system.

Minimum Soil Disturbance

kiran — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 16:03:59 +0000

Minimum Soil Disturbance kiran Tue, 10/02/2018 - 21:48

Minimum soil disturbance is the basic principle of CA which aims at improving soil physical and chemical properties, reduce soil compaction, water loss and erosion and establish satisfactory crop stand. This can be achieved by minimum tillage, zero tillage and stubble mulch tillage practices.

Minimum tillage is a group of field preparation methods which reduces the physical manipulation of soil. It is aimed at reduction of tillage to the minimum necessary that ensures a good seed bed, rapid germination, a satisfactory crop stand and favorable growing conditions.
Zero tillage is the technique of conservational tillage where primary tillage is completely avoided and secondary tillage is restricted to the row zones where seeds are sown.
Stubble mulch tillage is the technique where a mulch crop is grown during the fallow period and incorporated into the soil or the stubbles of previous crop are uprooted and spread over the soil surface.
While implementing the practices for minimum soil disturbance, the use of herbicides and pesticides is mandatory in order to reduce the infestation of weed and chance of infections.