ROTATION OF CROPS

ROTATION OF CROPS

Subject : Agriculture

Context : Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Sunday advised farmers to do away with the single crop cultivation system and opt for crop rotation system to increase yield and gain profits.

Concept :

Crop Rotation

• In this pattern, different crops are grown on the same land in preplanned succession. The crops are classified as one-year rotation, two-year rotation, and three-year rotation, depending upon their duration.
• Legumes are included in the crop rotation programme to increase soil fertility. The crops which require high fertility level (wheat) can be grown after the legumes. The crops which require low inputs can be grown after the crops that require high inputs.

Selection of crops for Rotation

• While selecting the crops for rotation, the following criteria should be adopted:
• Enough moisture should be available.
• Availability of fertilizers, man-power, and machine-power.
• Marketing and processing facilities.
• Availability of nutrients in the soil.
• The crop duration- short or long.

Advantages of Crop Rotation

• The soil fertility is maintained for a prolonged period.
• The growth of weeds and pests is prevented.
• A lot of chemical fertilizers are not required.
• The physical and chemical nature of the soil remains unaltered.