Cropping Systems, Types, and Practices

Question 1

What is the definition of a cropping system?

Accepted Answer

The pattern of crops grown on a given piece of land, their cultivation order, and the management practices used over a specific period.

Question 2

Which of the following environmental factors primarily determine a cropping system?

Accepted Answer

Rainfall, temperature, and soil type

Question 3

How does a well-planned cropping system prevent the rapid depletion of specific soil minerals?

Accepted Answer

By utilizing crops with different root depths and nutrient requirements.

Question 4

Why does multiple cropping reduce the risk of total crop failure for a farmer?

Accepted Answer

If one crop fails due to pests or weather, the farmer can still harvest other crops.

Question 5

What is sole cropping (monocropping)?

Accepted Answer

The practice of growing only one type of crop on a piece of land at any given time.

Question 6

Identify the cropping system shown in this image:

Accepted Answer

Sole cropping (Monocropping)

Question 7

Which of the following is a key advantage of sole cropping?

Accepted Answer

It simplifies farm operations such as planting, weeding, and harvesting.

Question 8

What is a major disadvantage of sole cropping?

Accepted Answer

It carries a high risk of total crop failure if there is a severe pest outbreak or drought.

Question 9

What is multiple cropping?

Accepted Answer

The practice of growing two or more crops on the same piece of land during a single growing season.

Question 10

Why does multiple cropping make the use of farm machinery difficult?

Accepted Answer

Due to different crop spacings and growth habits.

Question 11

What is intercropping?

Accepted Answer

The practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land.

Question 12

Identify the cropping system shown in this image:

Accepted Answer

Row intercropping

Question 13

What is sequential cropping?

Accepted Answer

Growing two or more crops in sequence on the same land within a single year, where the second is planted only after the first is harvested.

Question 14

What is relay cropping?

Accepted Answer

A system where a second crop is planted into an existing standing crop before the first crop is harvested.

Question 15

What is alley cropping?

Accepted Answer

An agroforestry practice where food crops are grown in the alleys formed by rows of trees or shrubs.

Question 16

Identify the cropping system shown in this diagram:

Accepted Answer

Alley cropping

Question 17

Which fast-growing leguminous species are commonly used in alley cropping?

Accepted Answer

Gliricidia sepium or Leucaena leucocephala

Question 18

In the practical guide for sole cropping maize, what is the recommended spacing between planting rows?

Accepted Answer

$75\text{ cm}$

Question 19

In the practical guide for sole cropping maize, what is the recommended spacing between planting points along each row?

Accepted Answer

$25\text{ cm}$

Question 20

In the maize-cowpea intercropping practice, where are the cowpea seeds planted?

Accepted Answer

On the sides of the ridges, alternating with the maize stands.

Strong work.