This document defines cropping pattern as the proportion of area under different crops over time and the spatial arrangement of crops, and describes three main types: mixed cropping, intercropping, and crop rotation. Mixed cropping involves growing two or more crops simultaneously without a definite pattern, intercropping uses rows of alternating crops in a planned pattern, and crop rotation specifies different crop combinations grown in succession on the same land over time based on moisture and irrigation.

1. Cropping System and
Pattern

2. Cropping pattern
• Refers to proportion of area under different crops at different point of time.
• Indicates the time and spatial arrangement or sequence of crops and/or fallow in a
particular land area.
• In other words, it is different ways of growing crops to provide maximum benefit.
• Types:
1. Mixed cropping
2. Inter cropping
3. Crop Rotation

3. 1. Mixed Cropping
• Growing two or more crops
simultaneously on a same piece of land.
• It reduces risk and give some insurance
against failure of one crop.
• There is no definite pattern of sowing.
• Ex: Wheat and gram, Wheat and
Mustard, Groundnut and Sunflower.

4. 2. Inter-cropping
• Growing two or more crops
simultaneously on same field in a
definite pattern.
• A few rows of one crop alternate with
a few rows of a second crop.
• Ex.- Soya bean + Maize, Finger millet
(Bajra) + Cowpea (lobia)

5. 3. Crop Rotation
• Growing of different crops on a piece of
land in a pre-planned succession.
• Depending upon duration, crop rotation
is done for different crop combinations.
• The availability of moisture and
irrigation facilities decides the choice of
the crop to be cultivated after one
harvest.

6. • Next presentation on Cropping system and difference between Cropping pattern and
cropping system will be updated soon.