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e. Cropping systems
Cropping system refers to an arrangement in which various crops are grown together in the same field. The cropping systems followed in dry lands differ from those followed under normal conditions. Only those crops can be grown under dry land conditions which require less water to complete their life cycle or which can stand or yield under drought conditions. This can include both drought resistant and drought tolerant plants. In addition, plants can be grown only where some water is available to sustain the growth of plants. Following are a few intercropping systems for dryland areas:
Moong + Bajra
Guar + Bajra
Til + Guar/moth/mung
Mixed cropping is also followed to minimize the effect of unpredictability of rain. Mixed cropping may have low yield potential but it works as a buffer against failure under possible unfavourable conditions. Mixed cropping may be defined as sowing of two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land in separate rows. Examples: Guar + Arhar + Moong, Bajra + Arhar + Moong and Maize + Urd etc.
F. Cropping pattern
Cropping pattern is defined as sequence of growing crops in a particular field at a particular period. The most common cropping pattern for dry land farming are discussed below:
For North Indian conditions
-Sorghum -Safflower/mustard
-Sorghum –Mung/urd/cowpea -Gram/wheat -Gram
-Rice -Gram (for low lying areas)
-Bajra -Gram + Linseed
-Bajra + Urd/Mung/soyabean -Wheat/barley +
-Gram/m ustard
-Maize-Gram/safflower
For central Indian condition
-Green gram -Rabi sorghum
-Green gram -Safflower
For Bhubaneswar region
-Rice -Horse gram
-Ragi -Red gram
-Groundnut -Niger
-Maize-Niger
G. Weed control
Presence of weeds in the crop field, especially in case of dry lands, cause a severe crop weed competition for water, nutrients and light The reduction in yield due to weeds varies from 30-75% depending upon the crop and nature and extent of weed infestation. Weeds may be controlled by hand weeding, intercultural operations and herbicidal application or by adopting an integrated approach.
H. Plant protection measures
In light textured soils of arid and semi arid regions termites and white grubs cause extensive damage to emerging seedlings and also to grown up plants. Use of BHC 10% dust@ 25-30 kg or Aldrin 5% dust@ 10-15 k/ha, in the soil and incorporating it well into the soil at the time of the last ploughing will control termites. The white grubs may be controlled by drilling of Thimet 200 granules @ 15 k/ha along with seeds.
Aphids in mustard are very destructive, therefore, they are controlled by spraying 0.2% Metasystox or Dimecron. Similarly, the pod borers in pulses are controlled by spraying 0.05% Endosulfon.
The viral diseases of pulses should be controlled by seed treatment and spray of some fungicides to kill the insect vectors.
VII. Agro-forestry and Dryland Agriculture
Agroforestry is the cultivation of trees in association with crops. It has assumed a great importance in order to solve a number of problems of dryland farmers. The twin objectives of Agroforestry are to increase the farmers income and sustain the ecological! Environmental balance. Agroforestry, as it provides fuel wood to the fanners, enables them to save the animal dung and use it as manure. The following points should be considered while choosing trees for cultivation in association with crops:
-The tree should grow fast and stand repeated prunings.
-Its roots should explore soil layers not tapped by agricultural crops.
-The crown should not be too large to prevent sun light from reaching the crop.
-The peak period of flush and leaf fall should not be detrimental to the crop
grown in association.
-As far as possible, the tree species should be a legume, the root nodules of which accommodate nitrogen manufacturing bacteria.
-The branching should be sparse and light.
-The tree should meet the socio-economic and ecological needs of the region.
Next : Recommendations for Dry Farming Areas
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