38. Cropping Pattern
Cropping patterns refer to the yearly sequence and spatial arrangement of crops grown, influenced by various factors such as climate and soil type. Understanding these patterns is vital for effective water resource management, especially in irrigation-dependent regions. The chapter outlines the definition, types, influencing factors, cropping seasons in India, and modern trends in cropping patterns, emphasizing their crucial role in civil engineering and water resource planning.
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What we have learnt
- Cropping patterns are dynamic arrangements of crops based on multiple environmental and socio-economic factors.
- Different cropping patterns, including mono-cropping, multiple cropping, and intercropping, have specific characteristics and implications for water use.
- A thorough understanding of cropping patterns enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of irrigation systems and agricultural practices.
Key Concepts
- -- Cropping Pattern
- The yearly sequence and spatial arrangement of crops grown by farmers on a given area of land.
- -- MonoCropping
- Growing the same crop year after year on the same piece of land, which can lead to nutrient depletion.
- -- Multiple Cropping
- Growing more than one crop on the same land during a year, which includes double and triple cropping.
- -- Intercropping
- Row-wise growing of two or more crops in close proximity to enhance productivity.
- -- Crop Rotation
- Sequential cultivation of different crops in a planned rotation to maintain soil fertility.
- -- Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid
- The three primary cropping seasons in India based on monsoon patterns and climatic conditions.
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