. Some of the major cropping systems are:
Sequential system
Multiple crops are grown in a sequence using short duration crops and intense input management. In Maharashtra, a sequence of Rice, Beans and Ground nuts is followed. It is the most common cropping system in India.
Mixed cropping
It refers to crop mixture of two or more crops simultaneously with no distinct row arrangement. For example – pulses and some oil seeds are grown along with maize, jowar and bajra. Its more refined way is ‘intercropping’.
Mixed Farming
Mixed farming is a system of farming on a particular farm which includes crop production, raising of livestock etc.
Plantation and other commercial crops
Sugarcane, tobacco, potatoes, jute, tea, coffee, coconut, rubber, spices and condiments etc. Some of these are seasonal, some are annual and some are perennial. They generally occupy smaller areas, but commercially very important. In jute growing areas, rice is usually alternative crops.
Intercropping system
Growing two or more crops in ‘definite row patterns’ is known as inter- cropping. The crops are selected such that their nutrient requirements are different. This ensures maximum utilization of the nutrients supplied, and also prevents pests and diseases from spreading to all the plants belonging to one crop in a field. Cotton and ground nuts are grown together or maize and groundnut are grown together in ranchi.