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Cropping Pattern Definition
Cropping Pattern is the systematic arrangement and rotation of crops over a specific area of land at different points in time.
If there is a change in the cropping pattern, it will lead to:
- The proportion of land will change under different crops.
- Change in the sequence of space and time of Crops.
In India, there are various factors on which the cropping pattern depends. These factors are- rainfall, temperature, climate, technology, and soil type. Different cropping patterns are practiced to obtain the maximum yield.
Different Types of Cropping Pattern
The different types of cropping patterns are discussed below:
Monocropping
Soil fertility is reduced in monocropping. It destroys the structure of the soil. For upgrading the production, chemical fertilizers are required. There’s a chance of spreading pests and diseases by this practice.
Mixed Cropping
Mixed Cropping is the practice in which two crops are grown on the same land simultaneously. Example: If wheat and gram are grown on the same land at the same time, this cropping pattern is known as mixed cropping.
Maturation time and water requirements of crops that are grown together should be different. There should be one tall and one dwarf crop. The Nutrient requirement of one crop should be less as compared to another crop. Roots of one crop should be deep and of another should be shallow. Mixed cropping will be successful only if all these criteria are followed.
Advantages of Mixed Cropping
- Increase in crop yield.
- Minimization of pest infestation.
- The risk of crop failure is to be decreased.
- Proper utilization of soil.
- Two crops can be grown together.
Intercropping
When two crops are grown together on the same field at the same time but in a definite row pattern, the practice is known as Intercropping. There will be one row of the main crop and the other three rows will be of intercrops.
There are different types of intercropping:
- Row Intercropping: The arrangement of component crops in alternate rows is known as row intercropping. Land space is utilized in this cropping pattern. During the early stage of the main crop, this cropping pattern also helps in the suppression of weeds.
- Strip Intercropping: In strip cropping, two or more crops are grown in wide strips. In this crop pattern, the two crops can be managed separately.
- Relay Intercropping: In this type of cropping pattern, the second crop is planted when the first crop has flowered but not harvested. Example: Rice- Cauliflower – Onion- Summer gourds.
Advantages of Intercropping
- Control of pests and diseases.
- Resources are utilized.
- Time and space are saved by growing more than one crop.
- Nutrients present in the soil are maximum utilized.
- The fertility of the soil is maintained.
Some examples of Intercropping are- maize and soybean, bajra and lobea.
Cropping Pattern in India
There is a multitude of cropping pattern in India.
| Cropping Pattern | State | Crops Grown |
| Mixed cropping | Punjab and Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka | Wheat+mustard, cotton+soyabean, maize+groundnut |
| Crop rotation | Punjab and Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil Nadu | Rice/wheat+maize+sugarcane, rice+red gram+ rice+cotton+red gram |
| Intercropping | Maharashtra and Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana, Bihar and Jharkhand | Cotton+groundnut, cotton+green gram, paddy+black gram |
| Multiple cropping | Punjab and Haryana, West Bengal, Karnataka | Wheat+rice, Aman paddy+jute, Ragi+cowpea |
Crop Rotation
On the same land, different crops are grown in pre-planned succession. The classification of crops can be done as a one-year rotation, two-year rotation, and three-year rotation. This classification is done based on the crop duration.
To increase the fertility of the soil, legumes are included in the crop rotation. The crops requiring high fertility levels can be grown after the legumes.
Advantages of crop rotation
- Soil fertility is maintained for a long period.
- No weeds and pests are grown.
- No requirement for more chemical fertilizers.
- There is no change in the physical nature of the soil.
How are the crops selected for Rotation?
There is a criteria to be followed for selecting the crops for rotation –
- Availability of enough moisture.
- Manpower, fertilizers, and machine power should be available.
- Availability of marketing and processing facilities.
- Nutrients should be available in the soil.
- Duration of crop – short or long.
Factors Affecting Cropping Patterns
Factors affecting different cropping patterns are as follows:
- Climate: Temperature, rainfall, and humidity decide which crops can be grown in a particular season.
- Soil type and quality: Different crops have specific soil requirements in terms of pH, nutrients, and texture.
- Water availability and irrigation: Access to water resources determines which crops can be grown.
- Market demand: Farmers grow those crops that have high demand in national or international markets for maximum profits.
- Government policies: There are many subsidies, tariffs, and regulations can influence which crops to be grown for profits.
Difference Between Cropping Pattern and Cropping System
The difference between Cropping System and the Cropping Pattern is given below:
| Cropping Pattern | Cropping System |
| Cropping Pattern refers to the arrangement and sequence in which crops are grown. | Cropping System means the combination of crops grown together. |
| It focuses on the layout of individual crops. | It focuses on the interaction and management of crops. |
| Example – mixed cropping, Intercropping. | Example – poly culture, agroforestry |
FAQs on Cropping Pattern
What is cropping pattern?
Cropping Pattern is the systematic arrangement and rotation of crops over a specific area of land at different points in time.
What are the benefits of crop rotation?
The benefits of crop rotation are as follows: It improves and maintains the fertility of the soil. Controls soil erosion. No requirement for more chemical fertilizers. There is no change in the physical nature of the soil.
What are the different types of cropping?
The different types of cropping are: Mixed cropping: Mixed Cropping is the practice in which two crops are grown on the same land simultaneously. Example: If wheat and gram are grown on the same land at the same time, this cropping pattern is known as mixed cropping. Intercropping: When two crops are grown together on the same field at the same time but in a definite row pattern, the practice is known as Intercropping. There will be one row of the main crop and the other three rows will be of intercrops.
