Multiple cropping

Multiple cropping is an agricultural practice where two or more crops are grown in the same space during a single growing season. It is a form of polyculture, which aims to mimic the diversity of natural ecosystems and can be contrasted with monoculture, where only one crop is grown at a time.

Overview

Multiple cropping involves growing two or more crops in the same space during a single growing season. It can take many forms, including intercropping, relay cropping, and sequential cropping. The practice is used worldwide and is particularly common in regions where land is limited or where the growing season is short.

Types of Multiple Cropping

Intercropping

Intercropping is a form of multiple cropping where two or more crops are grown at the same time in the same field. The crops are usually chosen so that they do not compete with each other for resources, and may even benefit each other by attracting beneficial insects or suppressing weeds.

Relay Cropping

Relay cropping is a form of multiple cropping where a second crop is planted before the first crop is harvested. This allows the second crop to establish itself and take advantage of the remaining growing season after the first crop is harvested.

Sequential Cropping

Sequential cropping is a form of multiple cropping where crops are grown one after the other in the same field during a single growing season. This can allow for multiple harvests in a year, and can be used to take advantage of different growing conditions at different times of the year.

Benefits and Challenges

Multiple cropping can have many benefits, including increased crop yield, improved soil health, and increased biodiversity. However, it can also present challenges, such as increased labor and management requirements, and the potential for increased competition between crops.

See Also

• Polyculture
• Monoculture
• Crop rotation
• Sustainable agriculture

References

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