chapter 1- CROP  PRODUCTION AND  MANAGEMENT

  • 1.Select the correct word from the following list and fill in the blanks. float, water, crop, nutrients, preparation
  •  (a) The same kind of plants grown and cultivated on a large scale at a place is called ___CROP__________.
  • (b) The first step before growing crops is __Preparation_____ of the soil.
  • (c) Damaged seeds would _float____________ on top of water.
  •  (d) For growing a crop, sufficient sunlight and ____water_________ and ___nutrients__________ from the soil are essential. 2
  • 2.Match items in column A with those in column B. A
    • A B
  • (i) Kharif crops                               (a) Food for cattle
  • (ii) Rabi crops                                  (b) Urea and super phosphate
  • (iii) Chemical fertilizers                    (c) Animal excreta, cow dung urine and plant waste
  • (iv) Organic manure                        (d) Wheat gram pea
  •                                                           e) Paddy and maize

Solution

(i) Kharif crops   –  e) Paddy and maize

ii) Rabi crops      d) Wheat gram pea

(iii) Chemical fertilizers  (b) Urea and super phosphate

(iv) Organic manure      (c) Animal excreta, cow dung urine and plant waste .

3. Give two examples of each. (a) Kharif crop (b) Rabi crop  

solution

(a) Kharif crop -Paddy and maize

(b) Rabi crop – wheat, pea

4.Write a paragraph in your own words on each of the following.

(a) Preparation of soil (b) Sowing (c) Weeding(d) Threshing

  • (a) Preparation of soil-
  • Soil preparation refers to the process of getting soil ready for planting or gardening. It involves various tasks aimed at creating an optimal environment for plants to grow, ensuring they receive proper nutrients, water, and a suitable structure for their roots to thrive. Loosening the soil .Proper soil preparation sets the foundation for healthy plant growth and can significantly impact the success of a garden or agricultural endeavor.
  • (b) Sowing – 
  • “Sowing” refers to the process of planting seeds or sowing seedlings into prepared soil for the purpose of growing crops, flowers, or plants. It’s a critical step in the cultivation process and involves placing seeds at the right depth in the soil and providing the appropriate conditions for germination and growth
  • .

{c}Weeding–

Weeding” refers to the process of removing unwanted plants, often referred to as weeds, from a garden, farm, or any area where cultivated plants are growing. Weeds are plants that grow where they are not wanted and compete with cultivated plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

{d} Threshing–

“Threshing” is a crucial step in the process of separating grain or seeds from the husks and straw. It’s typically performed after harvesting and involves the separation of the edible part of the crop (such as wheat, rice, barley, etc.) from the rest of the plant.

The process of threshing can be carried out in various ways, depending on the type of crop and available equipment:

  1. Traditional Methods: .
  2. Mechanical Methods:
  3. Combining:

5. Explain how Fertilizers are different from manure.

solution

–Fertilizers and manure are both used to improve soil fertility and provide essential nutrients to plants, but they differ in their composition, sources, and how they affect the soil and plants:

  1. Composition:
  • Fertilizers: These are synthetic or chemical products manufactured to contain specific concentrations of essential plant nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), often labeled as NPK. They can be formulated to deliver nutrients in precise amounts and ratios.
  • Manure: Manure is organic matter derived from animal waste, such as dung, urine, and bedding materials, along with decomposed plant materials. It contains a mix of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, as well as organic matter and micronutrients. Its nutrient content varies based on the animal source and decomposition stage.
  1. Nutrient Release:
  • Fertilizers: They usually provide nutrients in forms that are readily available to plants. Depending on the type, they can release nutrients quickly (fast-acting) or slowly (slow-release) over time.
  • Manure: Nutrients in manure are released gradually as organic matter decomposes. This slow-release nature allows for a more sustained nutrient supply to plants over a more extended period.
  1. Effect on Soil Health:
  • Fertilizers: While fertilizers provide essential nutrients, their continuous use can lead to soil degradation by affecting its pH, microbial life, and organic matter content if not applied properly or excessively.
  • Manure: Besides providing nutrients, manure enhances soil structure, water retention, and promotes microbial activity. It also adds organic matter, improving soil fertility and long-term productivity.
  1. Environmental Impact:
  • Fertilizers: Incorrect or excessive use of chemical fertilizers can lead to environmental issues like water pollution (when runoff carries excess nutrients into water bodies) and soil degradation.
  • Manure: When used appropriately, manure can enrich soil fertility and minimize environmental impact. However, improper handling or overapplication can lead to nutrient runoff and environmental contamination as well.

6. What is irrigation? Describe two methods of irrigation which conserve water.

solution

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land or soil to assist in the growth of crops, vegetation, or landscaping. It’s an essential practice in agriculture and landscaping to supplement natural rainfall and ensure that plants receive adequate water for their growth and development.

Two methods of irrigation that focus on conserving water are:

  1. Drip Irrigation:
  • Drip irrigation is a method where water is delivered directly to the root zone of plants in small, precise amounts through a network of tubes, pipes, and emitters.
  • It conserves water by minimizing evaporation and runoff. Water is applied slowly and directly to the roots, reducing water loss due to evaporation and surface runoff.
  • This method is highly efficient, as it provides water exactly where it’s needed, reducing water wastage and allowing for precise control over the amount of water delivered to each plant.
  1. Sprinkler Irrigation with Smart Technology:
  • Traditional sprinkler systems can be modified with smart technology that uses sensors, weather data, and soil moisture monitors to optimize watering.
  • These systems adjust water application based on real-time conditions. For instance, they can detect rainfall and automatically shut off or reduce watering when adequate moisture is present in the soil.
  • By using weather and soil data to schedule and regulate watering, smart sprinkler systems can prevent overwatering and ensure that plants receive the right amount of water, conserving water resources.

Both drip irrigation and smart sprinkler systems help conserve water by delivering it more efficiently to plants, minimizing waste through evaporation, runoff, and overwatering. These methods promote water conservation while ensuring that plants receive the necessary moisture for healthy growth.

7. If wheat is sown in the Kharif season, what would happen? Discuss.

solution

Unsuitable Growing Conditions: Wheat is a winter crop that requires cooler temperatures for proper growth and development. Sowing it during the Kharif season, which is characterized by warmer temperatures and higher rainfall, would expose the wheat plants to unfavorable conditions.

Water Stress or Excess: Wheat is sensitive to excess moisture during its initial growth stages, which can lead to waterlogging and fungal diseases. In the Kharif season, there’s typically higher rainfall, which might cause waterlogging and negatively impact the wheat crop.

Poor Yield and Quality: Sowing wheat in the Kharif season might result in poor germination, stunted growth, increased susceptibility to diseases, and reduced yield. The crop might not reach its full potential due to the mismatch between its growth requirements and the prevailing weather conditions.

  1. Overall, sowing wheat in the Kharif season would likely lead to suboptimal growth conditions, reduced yield, and lower-quality harvest due to the crop’s preference for cooler temperatures and specific growing conditions that align with the Rabi season.

8.Explain how soil gets affected by the continuous plantation of crops in a field.

Continuous planting of the same crop in a field can lead to:

  1. Nutrient Depletion: Specific nutrients essential for the particular crop get depleted, reducing soil fertility.
  2. Soil Erosion: Continuous cultivation without soil conservation practices can lead to erosion, causing loss of topsoil.
  3. Disease Buildup: Pests and diseases specific to that crop can accumulate, impacting future plantings.
  4. Organic Matter Reduction: Decline in organic matter affects soil structure and fertility.
  5. Decreased Biodiversity: Monoculture reduces microbial diversity, affecting soil health.
  6. Soil Compaction: Frequent planting and machinery use can compact soil, hindering plant growth and nutrient absorption.

9.What are weeds? How can we control them?

solution –

Weeds are unwanted plants that grow alongside desired crops, competing for resources and space. Controlling weeds involves:

  1. Manual Removal: Hand-pulling or using tools like hoes to physically remove weeds.
  2. Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch to smother weeds and prevent their growth.
  3. Herbicides: Using chemical or organic herbicides to selectively eliminate weeds.
  4. Crop Rotation: Changing crops to disrupt weed growth cycles and reduce their prevalence.
  5. Cover Crops: Planting cover crops to suppress weed growth and improve soil health.

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