Crop Rotation and Intercropping - JSS1 Agricultural science Past Questions and Answers - page 1
What is the primary goal of crop rotation in agriculture?
Enhancing soil erosion
Maximising monoculture
Disrupting pest and disease cycles
Reducing biodiversity
Which of the following is a common practice in crop rotation systems?
Planting the same crop in the same field every season
Altering the types of crops planted in specific fields from season to season
Intentionally promoting the growth of weeds
Using chemical pesticides exclusively for pest control
What is the primary aim of intercropping in agriculture?
Encouraging the growth of a single crop
Reducing the need for pest management
Enhancing biodiversity and maximising land use
Simplifying weed control
Which intercropping technique involves planting crops in alternating rows?
Strip cropping
Relay cropping
Mixed cropping
Monoculture
What is a potential advantage of intercropping in weed control?
Increased competition among crops for nutrients
Enhanced soil erosion
Simplified weed management
Promotion of monoculture
What distinguishes relay cropping from other intercropping techniques?
All crops are planted simultaneously
Different crops are grown in separate fields
One crop is planted among the standing crop of another
Only a single crop is grown in a specific area
What is a potential advantage of intercropping for pest management?
Increased vulnerability to pests
Reduced biodiversity
Enhanced pest resistance in crops
Efficient use of natural enemies for pest control
Why is the promotion of biodiversity considered a benefit of intercropping?
Biodiversity has no impact on crop health
Diverse plant species attract harmful pests
Biodiversity enhances resilience and reduces pest and disease pressure
Monoculture is more effective in promoting biodiversity
What is a consideration when selecting crops for intercropping?
Planting crops with similar growth habits
Exclusively choosing crops with the same nutrient requirements
Ignoring potential synergies between crops
Avoiding the use of leguminous crops
Examine the concept of crop rotation in agriculture.
Crop rotation is a farming practice involving the sequential planting of different crops in specific fields over multiple seasons. The primary importance lies in disrupting pest and disease cycles. Benefits include:
- Pest and Disease Control: Crop rotation helps break the life cycles of pests and pathogens, reducing the build-up of specific organisms in the soil.
- Nutrient Management: Different crops have varying nutrient requirements, preventing excessive depletion of specific nutrients in the soil.
- Soil Health: Crop rotation enhances soil health by reducing the risk of soilborne diseases and promoting diverse microbial activity.