Question

Bhola and Rajni, who are studying in Class IX, were travelling in a train. Rajni observed field with two crops growing simultaneously in a definite pattern. While Bhola was busy playing with a velocity game, Rajni noticed that rows of bajra and lobia were grown in alternate rows.

On what basis are the two crops selected in this pattern?

Answer 1

Strip cropping is a method of farming which involves cultivating a field partitioned into long, narrow strips which are alternated in a crop rotation system. The most common crop choices for strip cropping are closely sown crops such as hay, wheat, or other forages which are alternated with strips of row crops, such as corn, soybeans, cotton, or sugar beets. When a single crop is grown in one field for many years in a row, the crop will cause the depletion of particular nutrients from the soil. This depletion of nutrients leads to poor plant health and lower crop yield. With strip rotation, particular nutrients are replenished depending on the crops that are planted. For example, a simple rotation between a heavy nitrogen using plant (e.g., corn) and a nitrogen depositing plant (e.g., soybeans) can help maintain a healthy balance of nutrients in the soil.