Crop Selection and Cultivation

What factors should be considered when selecting a crop to cultivate ?

While choosing the crop to be grown, the following factors should be considered in order to promote efficient farming and some of the key factors are listed below 👇.

1. Climate and Weather Conditions: Every crop requires the environment in which they are grown to be unique. Choose a crop which can grow well in the temperature, rainfall, humidity and frost conditions within your geographic location.

2. Soil Type and Quality: Andreas also observed that the soil in your farm should be considered in terms of fertility, pH, drainage, and textural classes, there are vegetables that are right for a certain kind of soil, so choose the right crop for your type of soil.

3. Water Availability: Evaluate the different water sources which is available for purposes of irrigation. It means choosing a crop that corresponds to the region’s water supply, whether high or low.

4. Market Demand: This involves the need for crop to be required by the market you plan to supply before cultivating it. Conduct market research at ranges in order to confirm that there is a market for the produce you intend to market.

5. Land Size and Topography: For instance, it is the size of the land and the physical characteristics of the terrain you have that will determine the crop type. Indeed, there are crops that need larger space and / or specific kind of geographical features to yield good results..

Explain the difference between monoculture and polyculture farming ?

Monoculture farming simply refers to the growing of a single crop species within a given geographic region and mainly in large-scale cropping systems so this method which enhances the rate of planting, harvesting and even controlling pests will in turn reduce the rate of crop diseases, soil erosion and decrease the level of biodiversity.

Then polyculture farming includes cultivation of a number of crop species in one region or area, a solution that enhances bio-diversity, pest control and quality of the soil and this system is called polyculture which replicates a natural environment and has a higher level of sustainability. When different types of crops are grown together polyculture farming will be beneficial on diverse ways, including improving soil quality, decreasing the use of fertilizers and thereby enhancing productivity of the farms in case of an environmental change.

What are some traditional and modern methods used to enhance crop yield ?

Traditional methods:

Crop rotation: It is good to change different crops in a certain field because it prevents soil from getting depleted of its fertility as well as preventing build up of pest and diseases.

Intercropping and Traditional irrigation methods.

Modern methods:

Genetic modification: Biotechnological improvement of crops that are resistant to pests, diseases, and some form of climate changes.