Question

Match List-I with List-II

List-I (Concept)	List-II (Explanation)
(A) Ley farming	(I) Extra crop between two main crops
(B) Relay cropping	(III) Sowing of next crop before harvesting of previous crop.
(C) Catch cropping	(II) Cropping between two rows of trees/shrubs
(D) Alley cropping	(IV) Inclusion of fodder in cropping systems.

• A. (A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(I), (D)-(II)
• B. (A)-(II), (B)-(III), (C)-(I), (D)-(IV)
• C. (A)-(IV), (B)-(II), (C)-(III), (D)-(I)
• D. (A)-(I), (B)-(III), (C)-(II), (D)-(IV)

Hint:

- Relay Cropping is analogous to a relay race where the baton (land/growth) is passed to the next runner (crop) before the previous one stops.
- Alley Cropping always involves planting crops in the "alleys" between rows of woody perennials (trees/shrubs).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Agronomic practices employ various specialized cropping systems and patterns to optimize land-use efficiency, improve soil conservation, and ensure balanced nutrient management.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the definitions of each agricultural concept to find the correct match:
- (A) Ley farming:
This refers to a system of farming where arable land is sown with grass or legume pasture (fodder) for a temporary period of years as part of a rotation, primarily to restore soil structure and organic matter.
Therefore, Ley farming matches with (IV) Inclusion of fodder in cropping systems.
- (B) Relay cropping:
This is a method of multiple cropping where a second crop is planted or sown into an standing first crop before the first crop is harvested.
This overlapping period ensures optimal utilization of residual soil moisture and warmth.
Therefore, Relay cropping matches with (III) Sowing of next crop before harvesting of previous crop.
- (C) Catch cropping:
A catch crop is a fast-growing crop grown in the interval between two main crops, particularly when the main crop has failed or when there is a short fallow period.
It prevents soil erosion and nutrient leaching during the gap.
Therefore, Catch cropping matches with (I) Extra crop between two main crops.
- (D) Alley cropping:
Also known as hedgerow intercropping, this agroforestry practice involves growing food crops in alleys formed by trees or shrubs planted in rows.
Therefore, Alley cropping matches with (II) Cropping between two rows of trees/shrubs.
Matching these pairs yields: (A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(I), (D)-(II).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct matching sequence corresponds to Option A.