Question

a) Difference between mixed cropping and intercropping
b) difference between manure and fertilizers.

Answer 1

Intercropping:
1. The main object is to utilize the space left between two rows of main crop.
2. More emphasis is given to the main crop
3. There is no competition between both crops
4. Inter crops are of short duration & are harvested much earlier than main
5. Sowing time may be same or different
6. Crops are sown in different rows without affecting the population of main crop when sown as sole crop

Mixed cropping:
1. The main object is to get at least one crop under favorable conditions
2. All crops are cared equally
3. There is competition between all crops growing
4. The crops are almost of the same duration
5. It is same for all groups
6. Either sown in rows or mixed without considering the population of either

b)
Manure:
1. Manure is a natural material, obtained by decaying plant and animal waste, that can applied to the soil to enhance its fertility.
2. Prepared in fields
3. It provides humus to the soil.
4. Comparatively less rich in plant nutrients.
5. Slowly absorbed by plants
6. There is no side effect, in fact it improves the physical condition of soil.

Fertilizers:
1. Fertilizer is a human-made or natural substance, that can be added to the soil to improve its fertility and increase the productivity.
2. Prepared in factories
3. It does not provide humus to the soil.
4. Rich in plant nutrients
5. Quickly absorbed by plants
6. It causes harm to the living organism present in the soil.