Basic Practices Of Crop Production

Basic Practices of Crop Production

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Aug 19, 2025 06:23 PM IST

Crop production is the process of growing crops for food, fodder, and other purposes to meet the needs of humans and animals. It includes the selection of seeds, soil preparation, irrigation, and protection against pests and weeds. The efficient use of agricultural implements enhances productivity and reduces manual effort. The decision of soil preparation, planting, irrigation, and the use of fertilisers all play pivotal roles in determining the success of a crop.

This Story also Contains

Basic Practices of Crop Production
Techniques of Basic Practices of Crop Production
Tips, Tricks, and Strategies
MCQs on Basic Practices of Crop Production
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Basic Practices Of Crop Production

The basic practices of crop production include activities such as ploughing, sowing, manuring, irrigation, weeding, harvesting, and proper storage. These steps not only ensure better yield but also preserve soil health and sustainability. When integrated with strategies for enhancement in food production, these practices help meet the rising food demands of a growing population while maintaining balance in ecology.

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.

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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.

Techniques	Explanation
Sowing	Planting high-quality seeds and using methods like drilling and manual showing increased crop production.
Fertilization and Manuring	Fertilizers are important for the crop field and adding agricultural fertilizers, ammonium sulfate or organic manure like plant or animal waste can provide all the essential nutrients that your plant requires for plant growth and development.
Crop Rotation	Crop rotation is a method in which altering crops is done to maintain soil fertility and replenish nutrients like nitrogen.
Irrigation	In order to maintain the moisture of your fields soil irrigation is important. There are modern methods of irrigation which include sprinkler and drip systems while traditional methods require manual labor.
Weeding	Removing unwanted plants from your field that compete with the crops for nutrition is known as the weeding process. This is done using manual removal or chemical treatment.
Pest Control	Using pesticides in your field at regular intervals protects crops from pests and increases crop production.
Harvesting	Cutting down the crops once they are mature using manual tools or machines is known as harvesting.

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.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Name the branches of agriculture?

The names of the branches of agriculture are

Horticulture,

Dairy farming ,

Aquaculture ,

Organic farming ,

Sericulture ,

Vermiculture ,

Market gardening and

Poultry.

2. What is planting in agriculture?

Combining the seeds or saplings in the main farming region after proper land practise is called planting.

3. What are some of the difficulties encountered by the farmers in India?

The difficulties faced by the Indian farmers are that they have very small land holdings and also no certainty of saeed quality. Too much use of fertiliser weakens the soil and leads to lower yield every subsequent year.

4. Give some examples of farm machinery?

Tractors, fertilisers, spreaders, combines, ploughs, seeders, mowers, planters, bakers and sprayers.

5. Name the undesirable plants that grow among the crops?

The undesirable plants that grow among the crops are called weeds.

6. How does organic farming affect water quality?

Organic farming generally has a positive impact on water quality. By avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, it reduces chemical runoff into water bodies. Organic practices like cover cropping and minimal tillage also help prevent soil erosion, further reducing water pollution. Additionally, the improved soil structure in organic farms enhances water infiltration and retention, reducing the need for irrigation and minimizing water waste.

7. What is the concept of "feed the soil, not the plant" in organic farming?

The concept "feed the soil, not the plant" is a fundamental principle in organic farming. It emphasizes nurturing the soil ecosystem rather than directly feeding plants with synthetic fertilizers. By focusing on building healthy, living soil full of beneficial microorganisms, organic farmers create an environment where plants can access nutrients naturally. This approach leads to more resilient plants, better long-term soil health, and a more sustainable farming system.

8. Why is crop rotation important in organic farming?

Crop rotation is crucial in organic farming because it helps maintain soil fertility, reduce pest and disease pressure, and improve overall crop health. By alternating different types of crops in a field over seasons, farmers can break pest life cycles, balance nutrient demands, and enhance soil structure. This practice reduces the need for synthetic inputs and promotes a more sustainable farming system.

9. What is organic farming and how does it differ from conventional farming?

Organic farming is an agricultural method that relies on natural processes and materials to grow crops without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. It differs from conventional farming by emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance. Organic farmers use techniques like crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control to maintain soil fertility and manage pests naturally.

10. How does organic farming contribute to soil health?

Organic farming contributes to soil health by promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms, increasing organic matter content, and improving soil structure. Practices like composting, cover cropping, and minimal tillage help build a rich, living soil ecosystem. This leads to better water retention, nutrient cycling, and overall soil fertility, creating a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system.

11. How does organic farming impact biodiversity?

Organic farming generally promotes biodiversity by creating diverse habitats and avoiding harmful chemicals. By not using synthetic pesticides, organic farms support a wider range of insects, birds, and other wildlife. Practices like crop rotation, intercropping, and maintaining hedgerows further enhance biodiversity by providing varied habitats and food sources for different species.

12. How does organic certification work, and why is it important?

Organic certification is a process where an independent third-party organization verifies that a farm or food producer follows organic standards. This typically involves on-site inspections, record-keeping reviews, and regular audits. Certification is important because it ensures consumers that products labeled "organic" meet specific standards, maintaining the integrity of organic farming practices and building trust in the organic food market.