Question

Growing crops on the same field before harvesting the previous crops, is known as:

• A. Mixed cropping
• B. Intercropping
• C. Relay cropping
• D. Multistage cropping

Hint:

Think of a relay race: the second runner starts running (second crop starts growing) before the first runner stops and hands over the baton (first crop is harvested).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Multiple cropping is the practice of growing two or more crops on the same field in a single growing season.
This practice optimizes land use, solar radiation capture, and soil moisture utilization over time.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Relay cropping is a specific form of multiple cropping where a second crop is planted or sown into an existing, standing first crop before the first crop reaches maturity and is harvested.
This technique mimics a relay race where one runner hands off the baton to the next while both are in motion.
By sowing the second crop before harvesting the first, the farmer ensures that there is no transition lag or fallow period between crops, which maximizes annual crop yields and makes efficient use of residual soil moisture.
A classic example is sowing chickpea, lentil, or linseed into a standing rice field a few weeks before the rice harvest (known as "paira" or "utera" cropping in India).
Mixed cropping is the simultaneous growing of two or more crops with no distinct row arrangement.
Intercropping involves growing two or more crops simultaneously in the same field with a definite row pattern.
Multistage cropping refers to growing crops of different heights simultaneously, also known as multi-tier or multi-storeyed cropping.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The practice of sowing a second crop into a standing first crop before its harvest is termed relay cropping.