CROP PRODUCTION Flashcards
What is crop production?
Growing plants on a large scale for food, feed, fibre, medicine, industry, or ornamentals
How did crop production start?
Began when early humans cultivated selected plants instead of gathering.
How are crops classified based on use?
Cereals – Maize, rice, wheat.
Vegetables – Tomato, onion, cabbage.
Roots & Tubers – Cassava, yam.
Fruits – Mango, pineapple.
Legumes – Groundnut, cowpea.
Beverages – Cocoa, coffee.
Industrial – Cotton, tobacco.
Oil Crops – Oil palm, coconut.
Ornamental – Roses, sunflower.
Fibre Crops – Cotton.
What are the four crop growth types?
- Annual – Grow & die in 1 year.
- Biennial – Grow in 2 years.
- Perennial – Live for 3-5 years.
- Permanent – Live for 10-30 years.
What are 5 major uses of crops?
- Food – Maize, yam.
- Feed – Grass, grains.
- Raw materials – Cocoa (chocolate), cotton (cloth).
- Medicine – Herbal drugs.
- Ornament & Shelter – Flowers, trees.
What are key principles in crop production?
- Select good varieties.
- Choose the right site.
- Use proper planting methods.
- Follow good farming practices.
- Control pests & diseases.
- Harvest, process, store, and market properly.
Why is soil tillage important?
- Improves soil aeration.
- Increases water absorption.
- Helps root penetration.
- Mixes fertilizers into soil.
- Reduces pests & weeds.
What are two methods of plant propagation?
- Sexual – Seeds.
- Asexual – Cuttings, grafting, etc.
What are 3 qualities of good seeds?
- High germination rate.
- Free from pests & diseases.
- Uniform size & shape.
What is soil tillage?
The process of preparing land for planting by loosening and turning the soil.
What is the difference between planting and sowing?
• Planting – Placing seeds in holes before covering (e.g., maize, beans).
• Sowing – Scattering seeds on soil before covering (e.g., rice, tomatoes).
What factors determine planting time?
- Rainfall & temperature
- Maturity period
- Day length
- Pests & diseases
Why is proper spacing important?
- Reduces competition (nutrients, water, light).
- Improves air circulation (reduces disease).
- Enhances sunlight absorption (better growth).
- Controls disease spread (prevents overcrowding).
What is hardening-off?
Exposing seedlings to harsh conditions before transplanting.
Why is hardening-off important?
- Strengthens seedlings
- Helps them store food for root growth
What is transplanting?
Moving seedlings from nursery to the field.
What are the two types of vegetative propagation?
- Natural – Uses tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, corms, suckers.
- Artificial – Uses grafting, budding, layering, cutting, tissue culture.
What is tissue culture?
Growing plants in a lab using cells or tissues.
Why is tissue culture important?
- Produces disease-free plants
- Ensures high-quality produce
- Multiplies plants quickly
- Grows plants without seeds
What are key post-planting activities?
- Irrigation – Artificial watering of plants.
- Mulching – Covering soil to retain moisture.
- Thinning-Out – Removing extra seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Why is irrigation important?
- Maintains soil moisture
- Prevents wilting
- Regulates soil temperature
What are the benefits of mulching?
- Conserves moisture
- Controls soil erosion
- Suppresses weeds
Why is thinning-out necessary?
- Reduces competition (water, nutrients).
- Improves root shape (e.g., carrots).
- Prevents disease spread (better air circulation).
What is Mulching?
Mulching is covering the soil to keep moisture, prevent weeds, and protect plants.
