Crop Production And Management

Question 1

Explain the steps of agriculture

Answer 1

Step 1: Preparation of Soil

The preparation of soil is the first step before growing a plant. One of the most important tasks in agriculture is to loosen the soil. This allows root to penetrate deep into the soil. The loose soil allows the roots to breath easily.

Step 2: Sowing

Sowing is an important part of crop production. Traditionally, the tool used for sowing is shaped like a funnel. The seeds are filled in the funnel, passed down through two or three sharp ends which pierce in the soil and place the seed there. Nowadays a seed drill is used for sowing with the help of tractors.

Step 3: Adding Manure or Fertilisers

Continuous cultivation of plants makes the soil soil poor in nutrients. Therefore, farmers add manure or fertilisers in the fields to replenish the soil. Manure is an organic substance obtained from the decomposition of plant or animal waste. Fertilisers are chemicals that are rich in a particular class nutrient. Examples of fertilisers - urea, ammonium sulphate and NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).

Step 4: Irrigation

Irrigation is the supply of water to crops at appropriate intervals. The frequency and time of irrigation varies from time to time crop to crop, soil to soil and season to season.

Step 5: Protecting from Weeds

In crop field many other undesirable plants may grow naturally along with the crop. These are called weeds. The removal of weeds is called weeding. Weeding is important as weeds compete with crops for nutrients, space and light. Some weed produce poisonous substances. Weeding can be done manually with the help of a khurpi or seed drill or by spraying weedicides. Weedicides are chemicals used to control weeds.

Step 6: Harvesting

The cutting of crops after it is matured is called harvesting. This is usually done by a machine called the harvester.

Step 7: Storage

Harvested grains have moisture, so they must be dried in the sun to reduce the moisture in them. This prevent the attack by insect pests, bacteria and fungi.