REVISION NOTES
Chapter: Crop Production and Management
1. Crop
When plants of the same kind are grown on a large scale in a field, it is called a crop.
Example: Wheat crop, Rice crop.
Types of Crops
| Crop Type | Season | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Kharif crops | Rainy season (June–September) | Paddy, Maize, Cotton |
| Rabi crops | Winter season (October–March) | Wheat, Gram, Mustard |
2. Agricultural Practices
Farmers follow several steps to grow crops. These are called agricultural practices.
Main Steps
Preparation of soil
Sowing
Adding manure and fertilizers
Irrigation
Protection from weeds
Harvesting
Storage
3. Preparation of Soil
The first step in crop production.
Process
Ploughing (Tilling) – Loosening and turning the soil.
Levelling – Making the soil flat.
Advantages
Roots grow deeply
Better air circulation
Improves water absorption
Helps microbes and earthworms grow
Agricultural Tools
Plough
Hoe
Cultivator
4. Sowing
Sowing means planting seeds in the soil.
Good Seeds Should Be
Clean
Healthy
High yielding
Methods of Sowing
Traditional method
Seeds dropped through funnel-shaped tool.
Seed drill
Sows seeds at equal distance and depth.
Saves time and labour.
Protects seeds from birds.
5. Manure and Fertilizers
Plants need nutrients for growth.
Manure
Natural substance from plant and animal waste.
Improves soil fertility.
Fertilizers
Chemical substances prepared in factories.
Rich in nutrients.
Examples
Urea
Ammonium sulphate
Super phosphate
Potash
Differences
| Fertilizer | Manure |
|---|---|
| Chemical | Natural |
| Prepared in factories | Prepared in fields |
| No humus | Adds humus |
| Rich nutrients | Less nutrients |
6. Irrigation
The supply of water to crops at regular intervals is called irrigation.
Sources of Irrigation
Wells
Tube wells
Rivers
Lakes
Dams
Canals
Traditional Methods
Moat (pulley system)
Chain pump
Dhekli
Rahat
Modern Methods
Sprinkler System
Water sprayed like rainfall.
Drip Irrigation
Water supplied drop by drop to roots.
Saves water.
7. Protection from Weeds
Weeds
Unwanted plants growing with crops.
Harmful Effects
Compete for water, nutrients, light and space
Reduce crop yield
Removal Methods
Manual removal
By hand or khurpi
Weedicides
Chemicals used to kill weeds
Example: 2,4-D
8. Harvesting
Harvesting means cutting the mature crop.
Methods
Manual harvesting – using sickle
Machine harvesting – using harvester
Usually cereal crops take 3–4 months to mature.
9. Threshing
Process of separating grains from chaff.
Methods:
Beating crop
Threshing machine
Combine machine
10. Winnowing
Process of separating grain and chaff using wind.
11. Storage of Grains
After harvesting, grains must be stored safely.
Protection Needed From
Moisture
Insects
Rats
Microorganisms
Methods
Dry grains in sunlight
Store in granaries, silos, gunny bags
At home:
Neem leaves are used to protect grains.
12. Food from Animals
Animals also provide food.
Examples
| Food | Source |
|---|---|
| Milk | Cow, buffalo, goat |
| Eggs | Hen |
| Meat | Goat, chicken |
| Fish | Fish |
Rearing animals on large scale is called Animal Husbandry.