Cropping systems are the strategic planning and management of agricultural crops within a certain region over a set time period. Nepal's diversified terrain, temperature, and agro-ecological zones allow for a wide range of agricultural systems to be used in different places. These systems are intended to improve land use efficiency, increase production, promote sustainability, and adapt to local environmental circumstances. Cropping systems in Nepal are dynamic and constantly changing, influenced by local traditions, environmental conditions, market needs, and government policies. Sustainable management of these systems is critical to providing food security, poverty reduction, and rural development in the country.
Types of cropping system
- Mono-Cropping
Cultivation of single crop over a season or a period of time is known as Mono cropping. Concept of Monoculture and Single cropping lies under Mono cropping.
Mono-Culture: Monoculture, is the practice of growing a single crop on the same area year after year. Monoculture systems include the continuous cultivation of the same crop without any rotation or diversity. This strategy is frequently connected with large-scale commercial agriculture and intensive agricultural techniques. Monoculture can degrade soil, deplete nutrients, increase pest and disease burden, and cause biodiversity loss over time. It may provide short-term economic gains, but it may not be sustainable in the long run.
Single-Cropping: Single cropping is the technique of cultivating only one crop on a specific plot of land during a single growing season. Unlike monoculture, single cropping does not always require growing the same crop on the same area year after year. Single cropping can still include crop rotation or diversification over time, with various crops planted in consecutive seasons or years. It is a popular technique in both smallholder and commercial agricultural systems, especially in regions with a single major growing season. Single cropping enables farmers to concentrate on one crop at a time and may be modified to include sustainable agriculture techniques such as crop rotation and soil conservation.
- Multiple-Cropping
Multiple cropping, also known as polyculture or intercropping, is a farming strategy that involves cultivating two or more crops sequentially or concurrently on the same plot of land within a single growing season. Multiple cropping is a frequent and essential agricultural method in Nepal, which has various agro-climatic conditions and variable topography.
Sequential cropping is the practice of growing two or more crops in succession on the same plot of land within the same calendar year. This may entail planting one crop after another, taking advantage of varied growth seasons or circumstances.
Double cropping is the practice of growing two crops in succession throughout a given year. For example, planting rice during the monsoon season and then planting wheat after the rice has been harvested during the winter season.
Triple cropping is the process of growing three crops in succession over the course of a year. For example, farming rice during the monsoon season, then wheat throughout the winter, and finally maize in the spring.
Quadruple cropping is the practice of growing four crops in succession over the course of a year. For example, you could plant rice during the monsoon season, then rapeseed throughout the winter, then winter vegetables, and lastly mung beans in the spring.
The sign "-" is used to represent the order in which crops are cultivated one after another within the same year. These agricultural systems enable farmers to optimize land usage, increase production, and diversify their revenue streams all year. They need meticulous planning, scheduling, and administration to achieve successful yields and sustainability.
- Multistory-Cropping:
Improved water retention and drainage.
Reduced pest and disease pressure.
Reduced weed incidence
Diversified income streams for farmers