Question

Compare between mixed cropping and intercropping. Write down from advantage of both of these techniques.

Answer 1

Mixed Cropping	Intercropping
Its aim is to reduce the risk of crop failure.	Its aim is to increase the productivity of crops per unit area.
Seeds are mixed before sowing.	Seeds are not mixed.
Crops are not set in proper rows.	Crops are set in patterns of rows.
Pesticide application is difficult.	Pesticide application is easier.
Crops cannot be harvested and threshed separately.	Both crops are harvested and threshed separately.

Advantages of mixed cropping:

(i) It reduces the risk of crop failure due to monsoon stress.
(ii) Pest infestation of crops is greatly reduced.
(iii) It increases the soil fertility.
(iv) It increases the yield of both the crops due to complementary effect of each crop.

Advantages of intercropping:

(i) It increases the yield of crops.
(ii) Pesticides can be applied to the crops with great ease.
(iii) Soil erosion is effectively reduced.
(iv) The produce of each crop can be marketed and consumed separately.