Types of Cropping Systems and Their Impact on Yield and Soil Health
A cropping system is the spatial and temporal arrangement of crops on a farm over seasons or years. Choosing the right cropping system can greatly influence yield stability, soil fertility, and resource efficiency. In modern agriculture, integrating precision tools like drip irrigation systems into cropping systems helps unlock better performance and sustainability. Major Types of Cropping Systems Monocropping: Growing the same crop repeatedly on the same land. While simple to manage, it often leads to nutrient depletion and pest build-up. Crop Rotation: Alternating crops, such as cereals followed by legumes, improves soil structure and adds nitrogen through biological fixation. Intercropping: Planting two or more crops together (for example, maize and groundnut) to maximize sunlight and nutrient use, reducing weed pressure. Relay Cropping: Sowing a new crop before harvesting the previous one helps utilize available moisture and extend productivity. Agroforestry Systems: Integ...