Question

Intercropping Leucae leucocephala and/or Sesbania spp. with jower/maize in same piece of land is called _____________.

• A. Silvipastural system
• B. Agri-silvi-pastural system
• C. Multipurpose woodlots
• D. Hedgerow cropping

Hint:

Hedgerow cropping is also known as Alley Cropping.
It is an effective soil conservation practice on sloping lands, as the contour hedges slow down runoff and reduce soil erosion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In agroforestry, the spatial arrangement of trees and crops determines the system's classification.
Growing food crops between rows of woody shrubs or trees is a specific cropping pattern designed to optimize resource use and soil conservation.

Step 2: Detailed Explation:
Let us define the systems mentioned in the options:
• Silvipastural system: Combines trees with pasture and livestock.

• Agri-silvi-pastural system: Combines crops, trees, and pasture/livestock.

• Multipurpose woodlots: Blocks of trees planted primarily for timber, fuelwood, or fodder, without systematic crop intercropping.

• Hedgerow cropping (Alley cropping): In this system, fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing woody perennials (such as Leucae leucocephala or Sesbania species) are planted in rows (hedges). Agricultural crops (such as maize or jowar) are cultivated in the alleys between these hedges. The hedges are periodically pruned to reduce shading and provide nutrient-rich green manure for the crops.
Therefore, intercropping Leucae or Sesbania with maize/jowar is called hedgerow cropping.

Step 3: Fil Answer:
The correct option is (D).