Basic Practices of Crop Production

Basic Practices of Crop Production

The art of growing crops or crop production, comprises a series of carefully planned and executed steps. Each step plays a vital role in the ultimate success of the harvest and the production of food, fuel, and other critical resources. The following are the core components of a successful crop production strategy:

• Soil Preparation - Cleansing the soil of weeds and other unwanted materials, followed by tilling and balancing the pH and nutrient levels, sets the stage for optimal plant growth.

• Crop Selection - The choice of crop is critical to success and requires consideration of climate, soil, water resources, and market demand.

• Seed Selection - Securing disease-free, high-quality seed specifically suited to the growing conditions is crucial.

• Seed Sowing - Proper timing, depth, and spacing of seed placement is vital, and proper soil coverage is necessary.

• Irrigation - Ensuring an adequate water supply through drip or sprinkler irrigation systems is essential to plant health.

• Fertilization - The right type and amount of fertilizer provide the crucial nutrients necessary for plant growth and development.

• Weeding - Regular removal of weeds to prevent competition for light, water, and nutrients is a must.

• Pest Control - Effective pest management through the use of pesticides and other methods is key to preventing crop damage and loss.

• Harvesting - Timing is everything, as proper harvesting techniques maintain crop quality and maximize yields.

• Post-Harvest Management - Proper storage and transportation practices preserve crop quality and extend its shelf life.

Techniques of Basic Practices of Crop Production

By adhering to these basic practices of crop production, farmers can secure bountiful harvests, meet consumer demand, and contribute to global food security and economic prosperity.

Tips, Tricks, and Strategies

It takes effort to remember everything in a single go. We made the entire problem easy. Some of the tricks regarding basic practices of Crop production are given below which you can use to memorise the important points.

Soil Preparation

"CTL: Clean, Till, Level"

• C: Clean the soil (remove weeds, rocks, and debris)

• T: Till the soil (turn it over for better aeration and drainage)

• L: Level the soil (ensure even surface for planting)

Seed Selection & Sowing

"HQP: High-Quality, Proper Placement"

• H: High-quality seeds (disease-free and viable)

• Q: Quantity (appropriate seed density)

• P: Proper placement (correct depth, spacing for optimal growth)

Fertilization & Manuring

"NPK: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium"

• N: Nitrogen (promotes leaf growth)

• P: Phosphorus (for root and flower development)

• K: Potassium (for overall plant health)

Irrigation

"DST: Drip, Sprinkler, Traditional"

• D: Drip irrigation (water to plant roots, efficient)

• S: Sprinkler irrigation (water sprayed across crops)

• T: Traditional methods (manual systems like pulley, chain pump)

Weeding

"RPM: Remove, Prevent, Manage"

• R: Remove weeds manually or chemically

• P: Prevent weed growth

• M: Manage weeds with regular inspection

Pest Control

"BIP: Biological, Integrated, Pesticides"

• B: Biological control (using natural predators)

• I: Integrated Pest Management (combining various methods)

• P: Pesticides (chemical control when needed)

Harvesting

"THP: Timing, Handling, Processing"

• T: Timing is crucial (harvest at the right stage for best yield)

• H: Handle crops gently to avoid damage

• P: Processing post-harvest (drying, threshing, cleaning)

Storage

"DSC: Dry, Store, Check"

• D: Dry crops thoroughly to prevent spoilage

• S: Store in proper containers (silos, bags)

• C: Check regularly for pests, moisture, and diseases

MCQs on Basic Practices of Crop Production

Q1. Which of the following is the correct sequence of basic agricultural practices?
A) Sowing → Harvesting → Ploughing → Storage
B) Ploughing → Sowing → Irrigation → Harvesting
C) Irrigation → Ploughing → Sowing → Storage
D) Storage → Sowing → Harvesting → Ploughing

Correct answer: B) Ploughing → Sowing → Irrigation → Harvesting

Explanation:
This is the correct chronological order of basic crop production steps:

• Ploughing (to prepare the soil),

• Sowing (to plant seeds),

• Irrigation (to provide water), and

• Harvesting (to collect the mature crop).
  Storage follows harvesting.

Hence, the correct answer is option B) Ploughing → Sowing → Irrigation → Harvesting.

Q2. The main objective of crop rotation is:
A) To use more fertilizers
B) To increase irrigation
C) To prevent soil erosion
D) To maintain soil fertility

Correct answer: D) To maintain soil fertility

Explanation:
Crop rotation involves growing different types of crops in the same field in sequential seasons. It helps maintain the nutrient balance in soil, especially when leguminous plants are included, which fix nitrogen. Therefore, the main objective is to maintain or improve soil fertility.

Hence, the correct answer is option D) To maintain soil fertility.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Microbes as Biofertilizers

• Single Cell Protein

• Plant Breeding

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the basic practices of crop production?
The basic practices include ploughing, sowing, manuring, irrigation, weeding, harvesting, threshing, and storage.

Q2. What are the basic principles of crop production?
The principles include proper seed selection, timely sowing, adequate irrigation, use of fertilizers, and protection from pests and diseases.

Q3. What is leveling in crop production?
Leveling is the process of flattening the field after ploughing to ensure uniform irrigation and prevent waterlogging.

Q4. What is called ploughing?
Ploughing is the process of turning and loosening the soil using a plough to prepare it for sowing.

Q5. What is threshing?
Threshing is the process of separating grains from the harvested crop, usually done after drying.