Question

Which of the following statements are correct regarding mixed cropping?

(I) There is a definite pattern of sowing seeds.
(ii) It increases biodiversity.
(iii) It removes some nutrients specifically.
(iv) Outbreaks of pests and diseases can spread very rapidly.
(v) The crops with different maturation times are grown together.

(vi) Same fertilizers and pesticides are used for all crops.
(vii) The risk of total crop failure due to uncertain monsoon is reduced.

• A. (ii), (v), (vi), (vii)
• B. (i), (ii), (v), (vi)
• C. (iii), (iv), (v), (vi)
• D. (i), (ii), (iv), (vii)

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

(ii), (v), (vi), (vii)

Mixed Cropping is used to mean a cropping technique, in which two or more plants are planted simultaneously, in a particular piece of land. In this process, the components of the crops are intermingled in the available space in a way, that they grow together. It aims at decreasing the risk of crop failure, due to unfavourable weather conditions.

The crops are selected on the basis of their duration, water need, nutrients required, growth, root pattern, and so forth.

Let us analyse the given statements:

(I) There is a definite pattern of sowing seeds: There is no definite pattern of sowing seeds in mixed croping. Seeds are combined and sowed.

(ii) It increases biodiversity: Two or more crops are sowed together thus, increases the biodiversity of that particular field.

(iii) It removes some nutrients specifically: It restores soil fertility, as the products and remains of one plant assist in the growth of the other and vice versa.

(iv) Outbreaks of pests and diseases can spread very rapidly: It helps in the suppression of plant diseases, suppression of weeds and insect pests.

(v) The crops with different maturation times are grown together.

(vi) Same fertilizers and pesticides are used for all crops: it is cost-effective as the same fertilizers and pesticides are used for all crops.

(vii) The risk of total crop failure due to uncertain monsoon is reduced: This system of cropping is practised by the farmers to avoid total crop failure, due to less rainfall.

So, the correct answer is option A.