49.1.7. Monocropping and Traditional Farming Practices

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is monocropping?

   Hint

   Think about agriculture where only one type of crop is grown.

2. 2.

   Name one water-intensive crop.

   Hint

   Consider which crops need lots of water to grow.

3. 3.

   What is the primary disadvantage of monocropping?

   • It increases biodiversity
   • It leads to soil degradation
   • It requires less water

   Hint

   Think about what happens when you grow the same crop repeatedly.

4. 4.

   True or False: Flood irrigation is an efficient method of watering crops.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider how effectively water is used in this method.

5. 5.

   Consider a farm practicing monocropping of rice for five consecutive years using flood irrigation. Predict the potential long-term soil outcomes and suggest at least two remedial actions.

   Hint

   Think about how continuous planting and irrigation can affect soil quality.

6. 6.

   Design a sustainable farming model for the same farm that addresses water logging issues while maintaining yield targets.

   Hint

   Consider how to balance crop type and water management.