Multi cropping.pptx

Multi Cropping: A Promising Technology

1. Multi Cropping: A promising technology By: Ashish Singh, Forestry ICAR Research complex for NEH Region, Umiam

2. Cropping systems- meaning and classification C ropping system is defined as the order in which the crops are grown or cultivated on a piece of land over fixed period. C ropping pattern is defined as the yearly sequence and spatial arrangement of crops on a same piece of land over a same period of time. Classification of cropping systems

3. Parallel Multi-cropping Sequential Multi-cropping 1. Mixed Cropping 2. Intercropping 3. Relay Cropping 4. Alley Cropping 5. Multistoried Cropping 1. Sequential Cropping A. Double Cropping B. Triple Cropping C. Quadraple Cropping 2. Ratoon Cropping/ Ratooing

4. Multistoried Cropping System: A Promising Technology Introduction Other names of multi storied cropping are multi-layer cropping and multi-tire cropping. It is one kind of intercropping. Growing plants of different height in the same field at the same time is termed as multi storied cropping. The manipulation of plant species, composition, structure, and canopy cover to achieve or maintain a desired plant community to facilitate the sustainable management of multiple crops on multiple levels.

5. Key Design Considerations Design Select plants that provide multiple benefits Use plants that provide short and long-term products Avoid plants that compete for same resources Utilize the different canopy layers to increase options

6. Products Multi-Story Cropping can include a wide variety and types of plants and products Medicinal and aromatics Food Ornamentals Wildlife habitat Fuelwood Fence posts Fodder Green fertilizer

7. Example A groforestry systems are highly integrated, multi-storey collections of over story forest trees valued for timber , an intermediate layer of small trees including tea, coffee and banana , and a diverse array of understory herbs and vines used for food and medicine .

8. Most prevailing multi-cropping systems in North East India Alnus nepalensis + pineapple Machilus bombycina + broom + pineapple Grevellia robusta + pineapple Alnus + Tea + black pepper Multipurpose trees based agroforestry systems

9. Fruit tree based agri-horti systems Peach ( Prunus persica ) Pear ( Pyrus communis ) Plum ( Prunus domestica ) Guava ( Psidium guajava ) Khasi Mandarin ( Citrus reticulata ) Assam lemon ( Citrus limon ) Most prevailing multi-cropping systems in North East India

10. Agroforestry Research in Meghalaya Khasi Mandarin and Assam lemon based agrihorticulture , Som-broom based agrisilvi and agrisilvipastoral , agroaquaculture , sericultrue based AFS, alder based multi storied AFS and various other agroforestry systems have been developed by the Institute. Performance of fruit tree based agrihorti systems in the NEH region:- Tree Crop Field crop Variety of field crop Tree Density (Tree/ ha) Net return (Rs/ ha) Khasi mandarin Groundnut JL-24 400 4541 Soybean Alankar 19625 Turmeric RCT-1 30375 Ginger Nadia 33416 Taro Local 18583 Guava Groundnut JL-24 400 3000 Soybean Alankar 916 Turmeric RCT-1 2750 Ginger Nadia 15791 Chillies Local 1125 Assam lemon Soybean Alankar 400 2583 Turmeric RCT-1 1916 Ginger Nadia 36625 Radish Japanese white 2583 Prices are based on the market price of late 1990s

11. MPTs based agroforestry systems NEH region is characterized by presence of vast tract of forest areas. Therefore, livelihood of the population is also strongly influenced by the forest wealth especially the tree resources . Farmers deliberately keep some of the multipurpose trees (MPTs) in their fields to meet their multifarious requirements . Therefore some of the MPT based agroforestry systems were also evaluated at the ICAR Research Complex at Umiam for their suitability for the region . Indigenous trees of the region like Alnus nepalensis , Gmelina arborea , Michelia oblonga , Parkia roxburghii , Prunus cerasoides and Symingtonia populnia were planted at a density of 416 trees per hectare . After 12 years of growth, volume production was assessed for each species besides fuel and foliage yields. Volume production varied among different species and it was highest (2.07 m 3 tree-1 ) for Parkia roxburghii , and lowest (0.43 m 3 tree-1 ) for Symingtonia populnea . Though monetary input for each species was not considerably different, the output was highest (Rs. 1854 per tree) for Parkia roxburghii followed by Gmelina arborea (Rs. 1625 per tree) and Michelia oblonga (Rs. 1157 per tree). After twelve years, on an average, farmers could get benefit of Rs. 3.609 lakh from one hectare cultivation of these tree species only.

12. Income from multi-storied cropping system in coconut orchard Multi storied systems Income (in Rs) Total/ ha (in Rs) Coconut + Banana + Taro 33600 + 122400 + 20000 176000 Coconut + Banana + Ginger 33600 + 122400 + 163200 319200 Coconut + Banana + Pineapple 33600 + 122400 + 100800 256800 Coconut + Banana 33600 + 159200 192800 Monocrop system (Coconut) 43200 43200 Coconut + Pasture 43200 + 8400 51600 Income from multi-storied cropping system in Mango orchard Multi storied systems Income (in Rs) Total/ ha (in Rs) Mango (on year) + Pineapple 132000 + 100800 232800 Mango (off year) + Pineapple 8400 + 103200 111600 Mango (on year) + Papaya + Pineapple 116000 + 48400 + 89600 254000 Mango (off year) + Papaya + Pineapple 12000 + 81600 [phone] Mango + Pasture 116000 + 4800 120800

13. Advantage and importance of multi- cropping Advantages of multi cropping Increased utilization of scarce natural resources. Increased biodiversity which reduces pest and disease pressure. I nter-cropping of seasonal fruits species with annual crops. Provides farmers with a continuous source of income

14. Plant and Crop Selection Careful Species selection is important in multi-storied cropping systems . Shade-tolerant plants and crops are essential , as is the proper maintenance for the system's continuous production. The combination of crops with different production cycles should be synchronized to facilitate an uninterrupted supply of food. Depending on the climate and other environmental factors , there may be peak and lag seasons for harvesting, but in general there needs to be consumable products year round. Though most production is for home consumption , the marketable surplus can be a safeguard against crop failure. A relatively small amount of time is required to maintain the system.

15. Practices and Management The management of crops (especially trees) in multi-layered gardens is important for maximizing fruit and biomass production , and for intensifying plant populations. From planting to harvesting, appropriate horticultural practices should be followed in order to utilize land efficiently, and facilitate production from trees and their associates. Adequate pruning and training techniques ensure that the proper number of trees per unit area can be cultivated and also allows for healthy growth . The compatibility of fruit and forest trees, as well as other annual crops, should be determined to provide for high productivity yields .

16. Conclusion I n high density population areas , a multi cropping system is imperative to provide households with enough food for consumption as well as income for other essential goods . F armers in North East should have practiced a highly sophisticated form of multi-storied cropping for generations and have great experience in maximizing yields within the small amount of land they have.

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