Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ratooning is an agricultural practice where a new crop is grown from the stubble or root systems left in the ground after harvesting the first crop.
This method is commonly used in crops like sugarcane, banana, and pineapple.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the features of ratooning:
- A. Cultivation of growth from stubble: This is the definition of ratooning.
Instead of replanting, the shoots that emerge from the remaining stubble are managed to grow a second crop.
- B. Ratoons mature earlier: This is correct.
Because the ratoon crop utilizes the well-developed, established root system of the parent crop, it bypasses the early rooting phase and matures significantly faster than a newly planted crop.
- C. Increased expenditure: This is incorrect.
One of the primary advantages of ratooning is that it lowers production costs.
Since the stubble is reused, farmers save on seedbed preparation, planting material (like sugarcane sets), and labor for planting.
- D. Two or more crops are taken consecutively from a stand: This is correct.
Ratooning allows farmers to harvest multiple consecutive crops from a single initial planting.
Therefore, statements A, B, and D are correct, while statement C is incorrect.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct statements about ratoon cropping are A, B, and D, which corresponds to Option (A).