1 SCIENCE (BIO)

CROP PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT

Facts that Matter
• Agriculture: The applied branch of biology which deals with cultivation of plants and rearing of animals
is called agriculture. Generally, the art or practice of cultivating land is referred as agriculture. The branch
of agriculture which deals with food, health and management of animals is known as animal husbandry.
• Crop: When plants of the same kind are grown and cultivated at one place on a large scale is called as a
crop.
• Crops are also classified on the basis of the seasons as given below:
▸ Kharif Crops: The crops which are grown during the monsoon (rainy) season (June-September) are
called kharif crops. For example, (bajra) and cotton maize, millet crops. Seeds of these crops are sown in
the beginning of the monsoon season. After maturation, these crops are harvested at the end of the
monsoon season (Oct.-Nov.).
▸ Rabi Crops: Crops which are grown during the winter season (October-March) are called rabi crops.
For example, wheat, gram and mustard. Seeds of these crops are sown in the beginning of the winter
season. After maturation of crops, they are harvested at the end of the winter season (April-May).
• Agricultural Practices: All activities which farmers do for the cultivation of plants are called agricultural
practices.
For doing various activities, a farmer needs different types of tools. These tools which are involved in
cultivation of plants are called agricultural implements. Farmers perform agricultural practices in a
sequence.
• Various Agricultural Practices:
(i) Preparation of soil (ii) Sowing (iii) Adding manure and fertilizers
(iv) Irrigation (v) Protection from weeds (vi) Harvesting
(vii) Storage.
• Agricultural Implements:
▸ Plough ▸ Hoe ▸ Cultivator ▸ Seed drill
• Implements used for traditional ways of Irrigation:
▸(a) Moat (b) Dhekli (c) Rahat (d) Chain pump and
(e) Motor pumps
• Basic Practices of Crop Production
▸ Preparation of Soil: Before sowing the crop seeds, the soil of fields is loosened and overturned.
This process is called ploughing or tilling. Ploughing causes ventilation of soil and makes it suitable
for the growth of small organisms living in it.
▸ Plough: A large farming implement with one or more blades fixed in a frame, used to turn over and
cut furrows in soil, is called plough. Plough may be made of only wood, wood and iron, and of iron only
(Fig. 1.1).
▸ Ploughshare: The main cutting blade of a plough.
▸ Hoe: A tool which is used for removing weeds and for loosening the soil.
▸ Cultivator: Nowadays ploughing is done by a tractor driven cultivator. The use of cultivator saves
labour and time (Fig. 1.2).
▸ Sowing of Seeds: For sowing, farmers obtain certified seeds from State Agriculture Department and
Seed Corporation. Sometimes, farmers also select seeds from their own crop. For selection of seeds of
most of the crops, seeds are put into a bucket of water. The seeds which float on water are rejected. These
seeds are defective. The seeds which remain submerged in water are selected for sowing. The selected
seeds are treated with chemicals such as agrosan or ceresan. This chemical treatment protects seedling
from seed-borne diseases. Seeds are sown either by hand-broadcasting (spreading) or by seed drills (Fig.
1.3). A type of seed drill, commonly used, is a long iron pipe having a funnel at the top. It is tied at the back
of the plough [Fig. 1.4(a)].
A farmer does ploughing and simultaneously releases seeds from the funnel. Seeds thus released
pass through iron pipe to the soil furrows which are formed by the plough.
▸ Adding Manure and Fertilisers: Like other plants, crop plants also obtain their mineral nutrients from
the soil. Continuous growing of crop in the field causes deficiency of mineral nutrients in the soil. So, the
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manure is added to the soil to make up the deficiency of mineral nutrients. This process is called manuring.
Manure is prepared from cow dung, urine and other wastes.
Sometimes, soil becomes deficient in a particular mineral nutrients. This happens when same crop is
grown in the same field year after year. For example, a particular crop takes more phosphate. If this crop is
grown in a field every year, the soil will become deficient in phosphorus nutrient. This type of deficiency of
a particular nutrient is made up by adding chemical substances called fertilisers. For example: urea, super
phosphate and NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).
▸ Irrigation: The supply of water to crops at different intervals is called irrigation. The time and
frequency of irrigation varies from crop to crop, soil to soil and season to season.
• Methods of Irrigation
▸ Traditional methods:
— Moat (pulley-system) — Chain pump — Dhekli — Rahat
▸ Modern methods:
— Sprinkler system — Drip system
• Protection from Weed
The unwanted plants in the fields are called weeds. Seeds of these weeds spread through the agencies
like air, water, birds and other animals. Weeds share water, sunlight, space, nutrients with the crop plants.
Thus they compete with the crop plants. Therefore, their removal is necessary. Otherwise, crop plants do
not get sufficient space, water, sunlight and nutrient to grow healthier. Weeds are weeded out either by
hand or with the help of an implement called harrow. Nowadays, for checking the growth of weeds, certain
chemicals are used. These chemicals are called weedicides, such as 2, 4-D.
• Harvesting and Threshing: When crops pet matured, they usually turn yellow or golden or brown. This
is the time when crops should be cut. Cutting of crops is known as harvesting. Harvesting is either done
manually by a sickle or by a machine called harvester. Harvested crop is further dried and then animals
such as bullocks, buffaloes, camels are made to walk over it. The grains are separated from chaff with the
help of wind (winnowing) (Fig. 1.6). The whole process of separation of the grains from the harvested crop
is known as threshing.
Big farmers use huge machines known as combines which do both harvesting and threshing.
• Special festivals associated with the harvest seasons are:Pongal, Baishakhi, Holi, Diwali, Nabanya and
Bihu.
▸ Storage: Grains obtained by threshing are dried in the open. The dried grains are stored in gunny
bags, and placed in properly ventilated cemented halls, known as godowns. Farmers keep dried grains in
jute bags or metallic bins or mud bins. Large scale storage of grains is done in silos (Fig. 1.7) and granaries
(Fig. 1.8). For storing large quantities of grains in big godowns, specific chemical treatments are used to
protect them from pests and microorganisms.
• Animal Husbandary: Food is also obtained from animals for which animals are reared and provided with
proper food, shelter and care. When done on a large scale, it is called animal husbandry.
Agriculture
It is the systematic use of basic practices to grow the crops which provide food.
Crop
Crop is the group of same kind of plants grown and cultivated at one place in significant quantities. Crops
are grown to obtain food which can be sold for money. Crops can yield grains, pulses, vegetables,
ornamental plants etc. Healthy crops require provision of resources like carbon dioxide, water, sunlight
and nutrients provided by nature.
Types of crops
All crops cannot grow in the same season. Different crops have their own suitable climatic conditions and
specific requirements. Crops in India are broadly classified into two categories namely kharif crops and rabi
crops. In addition to these two crops there is another category called as zaid crops.
Agricultural practices
Agricultural practices are a collection of principles that are applied as on-farm production and the post-
production processes to produce safe and healthy food. Agricultural practices include certain steps shown.
Soil preparation: It involves loosening of the soil or turning it. This process enables the roots to penetrate
easily. It aerates the roots by providing the air trapped in between the particles of soil. It also provides
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favourable conditions for the growth of worms and microorganisms which increase the fertility of the soil.
• Ploughs are used for tilling the soil, adding manure and fertilisers and for scraping the soil.
• Leveller is used to level the soil to prevent it from soil erosion. A plank is used to break the crumbs
into fine soil.
• Hoe was used for tilling in olden days, but these days we use it only to remove weeds.
• Cultivator pulled by a tractor, is also used to break the soil.
Seed selection: It is done to separate healthy seeds from damaged seeds.
• Healthy seeds contain more nutrients. Seed health refers to the absence of disease-causing
organisms such as fungi, nematodes, bacteria, viruses and insects.
• Damaged seeds are hollow, discoloured and contain fewer nutrients.
Seed selection is done by soaking the seeds in a container. It can also be used to maintain and improve the
quality of the crop variety. The selection of plants is based on characteristics such as the size of the plant,
the colour or size of the fruits, the bulk number of grains per year, etc.
Sowing: It is the process of addition of seeds into the soil. Seeds are sown in the field by two methods
namely, broadcasting and transplanting.

BROADCASTING TRANSPLANTING

Developing young plants on a

Seeds are sown either by hand or by nursery bed and transfer of
using a seed drill. seedlings on to a field with proper
spacing.

It is done either by hand or a seed

It is done mainly in case of paddy
drill. Seed drill can be a traditional
crop.
seed drill or a modern seed drill.

Broadcasting is done by both traditional methods and modern methods.

• Traditional seed drill contains a funnel-shaped container through which seeds pass and get placed
into the soil.
• Modern seed drills sow seeds at a proper depth and distance, and cover them with a layer of soil.
Nursery is a place where plants are propagated and grown to a usable size. These saplings are transplanted
on to a field at regular spacing. Bananas are first sown in a nursery, and later the saplings are planted to
the field.
Crop Production And Management
All living organisms require food. Plants can make their food themselves. Animals including humans can
not make their own food. The energy from food is utilized by organisms for carrying out their various body
functions, such as digestion, respiration and excretion. We get our food from plants, or animals, or both.
In order to provide food for a large population— regular production, proper management and distribution
of food is necessary.
Agricultural Practices
When plants of the same kind are grown and cultivated at one place on a large scale, it is called a crop. For
example, crop of wheat means that all the plants grown in a field are that of wheat. Crops are of different
types like cereals, vegetables and fruits. These can be classified on the basis of the season in which they
grow. India is a vast country. The climatic conditions like temperature, humidity and rainfall vary from one
region to another.
Accordingly, there is a rich variety of crops grown in different parts of the country. Despite this diversity,
two broad cropping patterns can be identified. These are:
(i) Kharif Crops:- The crops which are sown in the rainy season are called kharif crops. The rainy season in
India is generally from June to September. Paddy, maize, soyabean, groundnut, cotton, etc., are kharif
crops.
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(ii) Rabi Crops:- The crops grown in the winter season are called rabi crops. Their time period is generally
from October to March. Examples of rabi crops are wheat, gram, pea, mustard and linseed. Besides these,
pulses and vegetables are grown during summer at many places.
Basic Practices of Crop Production
Cultivation of crops involves several activities undertaken by farmers over a period of time. These activities
or tasks are referred to as agricultural practices. These activities are listed below.
(i) Preparation of Soil:
The preparation of soil is the first step before growing a crop. One of the most important tasks in
agriculture is to turn the soil and loosen it. This allows the roots to penetrate deep into the soil. The loose
soil allows the roots to breathe easily even when they go deep into the soil. The loosened soil helps in the\
growth of earthworms and microbes present in the soil.
The process of loosening and turning of the soil is called tilling or ploughing. This is done by using a plough.
Ploughs are made of wood or iron. If the soil is very dry, it may need watering before ploughing. The
ploughed field may have big pieces of soil called crumbs. It is necessary to break these crumbs with a
plank. The field is levelled for sowing as well as for irrigation purposes. The levelling of soil is done with the
help of a leveller.
(ii) Sowing:
Sowing is the most important part of crop production. Before sowing, good quality seeds are selected.
Good quality seeds are clean and healthy seeds of a good variety. Farmers prefer to use seeds which give a
high yield.
Before sowing, one of the important tasks is to know about the tools used for sowing seeds
Traditional Tool: The tool used traditionally for sowing seeds is shaped like a funnel. The seeds are filled
into the funnel, passed down through two or three pipes having sharp ends. These ends pierce into the soil
and place seeds there.
Seed Drill: Nowadays the seed drill is used for sowing with the help of tractors. This tool sows the seeds
uniformly at proper distances and depths. It ensures that seeds get covered by the soil after sowing. This
prevents damage caused by birds. Sowing by using a seed drill saves time and labour.
(iii) Adding Manure and Fertilisers
The substances which are added to the soil in the form of nutrients for the healthy growth of plants are
called manure and fertilisers. Soil supplies mineral nutrients to the crop. These nutrients are essential for
the growth of plants. In certain areas, farmers grow crop after crop in the same field. The field is never left
uncultivated or fallow.
Continuous growing of crops makes the soil poorer in certain nutrients. Therefore, farmers have to add
manure to the fields to replenish the soil with nutrients. This process is called manuring.
Manure is an organic substance obtained from the decomposition of plant or animal wastes. Farmers
dump plant and animal waste in pits at open places and allow it to decompose. The decomposition is
caused by some microorganisms. The decomposed matter is used as organic manure.

Advantages of Manure: The organic manure is considered better than fertilisers. This is because
it enhances the water holding capacity of the soil.
it makes the soil porous due to which exchange of gases becomes easy.
it increases the number of friendly microbes.
it improves the texture of the soil.
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(iv) Irrigation
All living beings need water to live. Water is important for proper growth and development of flowers,
fruits and seeds of plants. Water is absorbed by the plant roots. Along with water, minerals and fertilisers
are also absorbed. Plants contain nearly 90% water. Water is essential because germination of seeds does
not take place under dry conditions. Nutrients dissolved in water get transported to each part of the plant.
Water also protects the crop from both frost and hot air currents.
The supply of water to crops at different intervals is called irrigation. The time and frequency of irrigation
varies from crop to crop, soil to soil and season to season.
Sources of Irrigation: The sources of irrigation are— wells, tubewells, ponds, lakes, rivers, dams and canals.
Traditional Methods of Irrigation
The water available in wells, lakes and canals is lifted up by different methods in different regions, for
taking it to the fields. Cattle or human labour is used in these methods. So these methods are cheaper, but
less efficient. The various traditional ways are:
(i) Moat (pulley-system) (ii) Chain pump
(iii) Dhekli, and (iv) Rahat (Lever system)
Modern Methods of Irrigation
Modern methods of irrigation help us to use water economically. The main methods used are as follows:
(a) Sprinkler System: This system is more useful on the uneven land where sufficient water is not available.
The perpendicular pipes, having rotating nozzles on top, are joined to the main pipeline at regular
intervals. When water is allowed to flow through the main pipe under pressure with the help of a pump, it
escapes from the rotating nozzles. It gets sprinkled on the crop as if it is raining. Sprinkler is very useful for
sandy soil.
(b) Drip system: In this system, the water falls drop by drop just at the position of the roots. So it is called
drip system. It is the best technique for watering fruit plants, gardens and trees.
(v) Protection from Weeds
In a field many other undesirable plants may grow naturally along with the crop. These undesirable plants
are called weeds.
The removal of weeds is called weeding. Weeding is necessary since weeds compete with the crop plants
for water, nutrients, space and light. Thus, they affect the growth of the crop.
Farmers adopt many ways to remove weeds and control their growth. Tilling before sowing of crops helps
in uprooting and killing of weeds, which may then dry up and get mixed with the soil. The best time for the
removal of weeds is before they produce flowers and seeds. The manual removal includes physical removal
of weeds by uprooting or cutting them close to the ground, from time to time. This is done with the help of
a khurpi.
Weeds are also controlled by using certain chemicals, called weedicides; these are sprayed in the fields to
kill the weeds. They do not damage the crops.
(vi) Harvesting
Harvesting of a crop is an important task. The cutting of crop after it is mature is called harvesting. In
harvesting, crops are pulled out or cut close to the ground. It usually takes 3 to 4 months for a cereal crop
to mature.
In the harvested crop, the grain seeds need to be separated from the chaff. This process is called threshing.
This is carried out with the help of a machine called ‘combine’ which is in fact a combined harvester and
thresher.
(vii) Storage
Storage of produce is an important task. If the crop grains are to be kept for longer time, they should be
safe from moisture, insects, rats and microorganisms. The fresh crop has more moisture. If freshly
harvested grains (seeds) are stored without drying, they may get spoilt or attacked by organisms, losing
their germination capacity.
Summary
In order to provide food to our growing population, we need to adopt certain agricultural practices.
Same kind of plants grown and cultivated at a place constitute a crop.
In India, crops can be broadly categorised into two types based on seasons -rabi and kharif crops.
It is necessary to prepare soil by tilling and levelling. Ploughs and levellers are used for this purpose.
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Sowing of seeds at appropriate depths and distances gives good yield. Good variety of seeds is sown after
selection of healthy seeds. Sowing is done by seed drills.
Soil needs replenishment and enrichment through the use of organic manure and fertilisers. Use of
chemical fertilisers has increased tremendously with the introduction of new crop varieties.
Supply of water to crops at appropriate intervals is called irrigation.
Weeding involves removal of unwanted and uncultivated plants called weeds.
Harvesting is the cutting of the mature crop manually or by machines.
Separation of the grains from the chaff is called threshing.
Proper storage of grains is necessary to protect them from pests and microorganisms.
Food is also obtained from animals for which animals are reared. This is called animal husbandry.
Points To Remember:
We need to adopt certain agricultural practices in order to provide food to our growing population.
Plants of same kind grown and cultivated at one place on a large scale for food, clothing, medicines,
cosmetics, dyes etc. are called crops. In India crops are categorised into two types on the basis of seasons
that is rabiand kharif crops. The crop production practice involves a series of process which are as follow :
Preparation of soil by tilling and levelling
Sowing of seeds into prepared soil
Adding manure and fertilisers for replenishment and enrichment of soil and healthy growth of crops
The supply of water to crops at appropriate interval called as irrigation
Protecting from weeds by using weedicides
Harvesting of crops by machines and there proper storage to protect them from harmful effects of pests
and microorganisms
Like plants animals also provide us with large variety of food items for which they are reared at home or in
farms. They are provided with proper food, shelter and care, this is called animal husbandary
Choose the correct option:
1. Watering the crops is called:
(a) sowing (b) manuring (c) tilling (d) irrigation
2. Weeds are the:
(a) main crop plants (b) insects and pests
(c) unwanted plants growing along the crop (d) chemical substances
3. Combines are used for:
(a) sowing of seeds (b) harvesting the crops
(c) threshing (d) harvesting and threshing both.
4. Separating grains from chaff is called:
(a) winnowing (b) threshing (c) fallow (d) harvesting.
5. Weedicides are used to destroy:
(a) insects (b) weeds (c) pests (d) none of these.
6. Kharif crops are sown in
(a) March, April (b) May, June (c) October, November (d) Any time.
7. Wheat and gram belong to
(a) Rabi crops (b) Kharif crops (c) Both of these (d) None of these.
8. Examples of kharif crops are
(a) Wheat and maize (b) Gram and maize (c) Paddy and maize (d) All of these.
9. 2-4D is a
(a) Pesticides (b) Insecticides (c) Fungicides (d) Weedicides.
10. Seed drill is used to
(a) sow the seeds (b) remove the weeds
(c) remove the pest (d) mix manure in the soil.
NCERT Solutions for Crop Production and Management
Q1. Select the correct word from the following list and fill in the blanks. float, water, crop, nutrients,
preparation
(a) The same kind of plants grown and cultivated on a large scale at a place is called___________.
(b) The first step before growing crops is___________of the soil.
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(c) Damaged seeds would___________ on top of water.
(d) For growing a crop, sufficient sunlight,___________and ___________from the soil are essential.
Ans. (a) crop (b) preparation (e) float (d) water, nutrients.
Q2. Match items in Column A with those in Column B.
Column A Column B
(i) Kharif crops (a) Food for cattle
(ii) Rabi crops (b) Urea and super phosphate
(iii) Chemical fertilisers (c) Animal excreta, cow dung, urine and plant wastes
(iv) Organic manure (d) Wheat, gram, pea
(e) Paddy and maize
Ans.
Column A Column B
(i) Kharif crops (e) Paddy and maize
(ii) Rabi crops (d) Wheat, gram, pea
(iii) Chemical fertilisers (b) Urea and super phosphate
(iv) Organic manure (c) Animal excreta, cow dung, urine and plant wastes
Q3. Give two examples of each:
(a) Kharif crop
(b) Rabi crop
Ans. (a) Paddy and maize. (b) Wheat and gram.
Q.4. Write a paragraph in your own words on each of the following:
(a) Preparation of soil
(b) Sowing
(c) Wedding
(d) Threshing
Ans. (a) Preparation of soil: Soil is prepared before sowing the seeds. The soil is loosened to increase the
absorption of water and manures. Loosening of soil particles adds humus and nutrients in the soil that
increases crop yields. Tilling or loosening the soil is done by ploughs which are pulled by a pair of bulls.
Tractor driven cultivators are also used to loosen the soil.
(b) Sowing: After preparation of soil it is ready for sowing of seeds. The healthy and clean seeds
should be selected. The sowing is done by seed drills or funnel shaped tools. Seed drills are the modern
instruments which sow the seeds at proper depth and proper distance.
(c) Weeding: The unwanted plants in the crops are called weeds. These weeds absorb the
nutrients from the soil. So it is necessary to remove them. Weeds are either removed manually or by
mechanical tools. The process of removal of weeds is called weeding. Some chemicals like 2, 4-D are also
used to kill the weeds.
(d) Threshing: Separation of grains from the chaff is called threshing. When the crop is harvested,
it is cut along with the stalks. They are then separated and the grains are removed. Winnowing machine is
used to separate grains from chaff.
Q5. Explain how fertilisers are different from manures.
Ans. (i) Manures are organic substances while fertilisers are chemical substances.
(ii) Manures are prepared in fields while fertilisers are prepared in factories.
(iii) Manures contain all the nutrients while fertilisers are rich in certain nutrients.
(iv) Manures provide humus while fertilisers do not provide any humus.
Q6. What is irrigation�? Describe two methods of irrigation which conserve water.
Ans. The process of watering the crops is called irrigation.
Two methods of irrigation are:
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(i) Sprinklers: Sprinklers work as fountains. Long perpendicular pipes have holes at regular
distances. When water is supplied, it comes out of these holes and spray water in field. These holes have
rotating nozzles which sprinkle water in all directions. They control wastage of water.
(ii) Drip System: This system is used to save water as it allows the water to flow drop by drop at
the roots of the plants. It is the best technique for watering fruit plants, gardens and trees. Water is not
wasted at all.
Q.7. If wheat is sown in the kharif season, what would happen? Discuss.
Ans. Wheat crop does not require much water to grow, so wheat would not grow in kharif season. The
seeds would get destroyed in excess water due to rainy season.
Q8. Explain how soil gets affected by the continuous plantation of crops in a field.
Ans. If we sow continuously in a field then the lacking of nutrients takes place in the soil. The field
becomes unfertile. It does not give any time to soil to replenish the nutrients.
Thus the soil is unable to sustain any further healthy and good crop.
Q9. What are weeds? How can we control them?
Ans. Weeds are unwanted plants. They grow with crops. They compete for nutrients and water with main
crop. So weeds are very harmful. Process of controlling the weed is called weeding. Weeding is done
manually by using khurpi and by using mechanical machines. Weeds are also controlled by using some
chemical substances like 2, 4-D. These chemicals are called weedicide and used to kill and destroy the
weed.
Crop Production and Management
1. What are the basic practices of crop production?
2. What are crops? Explain the two crops in detail.
3. Write a short note on weeding.
4. Explain how fertilizers are different from manures?
5. Give examples of two Rabi and two Kharif crops.
6. Explain modern method of sowing.
7. What is crop rotation and why is it important?
8. How are grains stored and protected?
9. Mention names of any two fertilizers.
10. Why is it necessary to sow seeds at appropriate depth?
HOTS for Crop Production and Management
1. Why Kharif crops cannot be grown in Rabi season?
2. What are the steps involved in soil preparation?
3. Name the medium in which plants grow.
4. Why is it necessary to dry grains before storing them?
5. How are manures prepared by the farmers?
6. Explain modern methods of irrigation in brief.
7. Explain the process of transplantation.
8. Name the two fertilizers containing nitrogen and other containing phosphorous.
9. Why is excessive irrigation harmful to the crops?
10. Why should we grow seeds in moist soil?
11. Why do we need to irrigate fields well before sowing seeds?
12. What are organic foods?
1. Weeds compete with crop plants for_____. (1)
2. Soil can be loosened with the help of a : (1)
3. Growing different types of crops in pre-planned succession is known as : (1)
4. Give two examples of Kharif and Rabi crops. (2)
5. What is weeding? (2)
6. Why can roots of plants breathe easily in loose soil? (2)
7. Why do Paddy crops grow in rainy season? (3)
8. Describe methods of irrigation which conserve water. (3)
9. Explain how Fertilizers are different from Manures? (5)
10. Write short notes on (5)
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• Weeding
• Threshing
• Preparation of Soil
• Sowing
• Affects on soil due to continuous plantation of crops in a field
11. Give one example of each (5)
• Weed
• Plant pest
• Organism used in biological control method
• Crop that has the natural ability to make soil fertile
• Usable form of nitrogen for plant growth.
Very Short Q&A:
Q1: Tick the right answer
We get our food from
Plants Animals Both plants and animals None of these
Ans: C
Q2: The same kind of plants grown and cultivated at one place on large scale is called_________.
Ans: Crop
Q3: Is crop production and management is important to provide food for a large number of population?
Portuguese English Dutch Spanish
Ans: Yes
Q4: Define crop.
Ans: Plants of same kind that are grown and cultivated at one place on large scale is called a crop
Q5: Name some crop plants.
Ans: Some of the crop plants are wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, cotton, vegetables, fruits etc.
Q6: Classify crops on the basis of seasons in which they are grown.
Ans: On the basis of season in which crops are grown they are classified into: Rabi crops and Kharif crops
Q7: Define kharif crops with examples.
Ans: The crops which are sown in rainy season that is generally from june to September in India are called
kharif crops. e.g: cotton, maize, paddy, groundnut etc.
Q8: Define rabi crops with examples.
Ans: The crops which are sown in winter season that is generally from October to march in India are called
rabi crops. e.g: wheat, mustard, gram, pea etc.
Q9: Why can paddy not be grown in winter season?
Ans: Paddy plants requires lot of water for their proper growth and development, thus paddy can be
grown in rainy season only and not in winter season.
Q10: Ploughing is done by ___________________.
Ans: Plough
Q11: Hoe is a simple tool which is used for removing ________________.
Ans: Weeds
Q12: What is seed drill?
Ans: Seed drill is a tool which is used for sowing seeds with the help of tractors, this tool sows the seeds
uniformly and at proper distances and depths in the soil. It ensures that seeds get properly covered by the
soil after sowing.
Q13: What do you mean by good quality seeds?
Ans: Following are the characteristics of a good quality seed:
It should be clean
It should be healthy and of good variety
It should have high yield
It should be disease resistant
Q14: What do you understand by manures?
Ans: Manures are organic substances obtained from the decomposition of plants and animal wastes which
provides lot of humus to the soil. It is very important for the healthy growth of plants.
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Q15: Continuous growing of crops makes the soil poorer in certain______________________.
Ans: nutrients
Q16: What is manuring?
Ans: Farmers add manure to the fields to replenish the soil with nutrients and to increase their crop
production, this process of adding manures to the field is called manuring.
Q17: What do you understand by fertilisers?
Ans: Fertilisers are chemical substances which are rich in particular nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium, they are produced in factories. example: urea, NPK, ammonium sulphate etc.
Q18: Name the bacteria which fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Ans: Rhizobium bacteria
Q19: Which one is better organic manure or fertilisers?
Ans: Organic manure is better than fertilisers
Q20: What do you mean by the term irrigation?
Ans: Water is very important for proper growth and development of plants, thus for healthy crop growth
fields have to be watered regularly, this supply of water to crops at appropriate interval called as irrigation.
Q21: Name different sources of irrigation.
Ans: Source of irrigation: ponds, lakes, rivers, dams, canals, wells, and tubewells.
Q22: Name the following shown traditional methods of irrigation:

Ans:
Moat Dhekli, Sprinkler system , Drip system
Q23: Give few examples of weedicides.
Ans: 2,4-D
Q24: Is there any harmful effect of weedicides on the person handling the weedicides sprayer?
Ans: Yes, it may affect the health of sprayer, so he should cover their nose and mouth with a piece of a
cloth during spraying of weedicides.
Q25: Weedicides sprayer should cover their _________________ and _______________ with a piece of
cloth during spraying of these chemicals.
Ans: nose and mouth
Q26: Define harvesting.
Ans: Cutting of matured crop manually or by machine is called harvesting
Q27: Define threshing.
Ans: In the harvested crops the grain seeds are separated from the chaff, this process is called threshing.
Q28: What is a “combine”?
11
Ans: Combine is a machine which is used for harvesting as well as threshing of crops or simply we can say
combine is a combined harvester and thresher.
Q29: What are harvest festivals?
Ans: A Harvest Festival is an annual celebration that occurs around the time of the main harvest of a given
region. The efforts of the farmer of past season borne fruit in the form of crop, laden with grain, at this
point they celebrate harvest festival to express their joy and happiness. Special festivals associated with
the harvest season are pongal, Baisakhi, Holi, Diwali, Nabanya and Bihu.
Q30: What do you mean by animal husbandry?
Ans: Like plants animals also provide us with large variety of food items for which they are reared at home
or in farms. They are provided with proper food, shelter and care, this is called animal husbandry
Short Q&A:
Q1: Define crop along with examples
Ans: Plants of same kind that are grown and cultivated at one place on large scale are called a crop. Some
of the crop plants are wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, cotton, vegetables, fruits etc.
Q2: Differentiate between kharif and rabi crops
Ans: Rabi crops Kharif crops
Grown in winter season Grown in rainy season
They do not need lot of water They require lot of water
In india time period for winter In india time period for rainy
season is from October to season is from june to
march so they are grown in this september so they are grown
time period only in this time period only
Examples: linseed, wheat, Examples: paddy, maize,
gram, pea etc cotton, groundnut etc.
Q3: Name all the activities involved in agricultural practices for crop production
Preparation of soil by tilling and levelling
Sowing of seeds into prepared soil
Adding manure and fertilisers for replenishment and enrichment of soil and healthy growth of crops
The supply of water to crops at appropriate interval called as irrigation
Protecting from weeds by using weedicides
Harvesting of crops by machines
proper storage of crops to protect them from harmful effects of pests and microorganisms
Ans: Following are the activities involved in agricultural practices for crop production
Q4: What do you mean by preparation of soil?
Ans: The first step before growing a crop plant is the preparation of soil for sowing of seeds, the soil has to
be loosened so that the roots of plants may penetrate deep into the soil, the loosening of soil allow the
roots to breathe easily because loosened soil promotes growth of organisms like earthworms and microbes
which are the farmer friends as they further turns and loosen the soil and add humus to it, apart from this
turning and loosening of soil brings the nutrient rich soil to the top and the top layer of soil supports plant
growth, thus nutrient rich soil at the top layer helps in good and healthy crop and hence turning and
loosening of soil is very important for cultivation of crops. The process of loosening and turning of the soil
is called tilling or ploughing and is carried on by using a plough.
Q5: Why loosened soil is important for cultivation of crops?
Ans: The first step before growing a crop plant is the preparation of soil for sowing of seeds, the soil has to
be loosened so that the roots of plants may penetrate deep into the soil, the loosening of soil allow the
roots to breathe easily because loosened soil promotes growth of organisms like earthworms and microbes
which are the farmer friends as they further turns and loosen the soil and add humus to it, apart from this
turning and loosening of soil brings the nutrient rich soil to the top and the top layer of soil supports plant
growth, thus nutrient rich soil at the top layer helps in good and healthy crop and hence turning and
loosening of soil is very important for cultivation of crops. The process of loosening and turning of the soil
is called tilling or ploughing and is carried on by using a plough.
Q6: Define ploughing.
13
Ans: The process of loosening and turning of the soil is called tilling or ploughing and is carried on by using
a plough. plough are made by wood or iron material, it is being used since ancient time for different
purposes like tilling the soil, adding fertilisers to crops, removing weeds etc. this implement is drawn by a
pair of bulls or other animals like camels, horses etc.
Q7: Label the following Diagram:

Ans: a. Beam ,b. Ploughshaft ,c. Ploughshare

Q8: Write a paragraph in your own word on each of the following:
Tilling Weeds
Ans: Tilling: The process of loosening and turning of the soil is called tilling or ploughing and is carried on
by using a plough. plough are made by wood or iron material, it is being used since ancient time for
different purposes like tilling the soil, adding fertilisers to crops, removing weeds etc. this implement is
drawn by a pair of bulls or other animals like camels, horses etc.
Weeds: weeds are unwanted plants that grow along with crop plants and compete with them for water,
nutrients, space and light, thus they effect growth of crop plants. Some of the weeds are poisonous for
animals and human beings and they interfere even in harvesting of crop plants. Weedicides are chemical
that are sprayed in the fields to kill the weeds, they do not damage the crops. Weedicides are diluted with
water and are sprayed in the field by sprayer to kill the weeds.
Q9: Write shorts notes on:
Showing of seeds Threshing
Ans: Showing of seeds: One of the important part of crop production is sowing. Good quality seeds are
selected and are sown in prepared soil with the help of various tools like traditional tools and seed drill.
Traditional tools: The shape of this tool is like a funnel which is filled by seeds, then the seeds are passed
down through two or three pipes having sharp ends and these ends pierce into the soil and place seeds
there.
Seed drill: Now a day traditional tool has been replaced by seed drill. This tool is used for sowing with the
help of tractors and it sows the seeds uniformly and at proper distances and depth, it also ensures covering
of the seeds from soil after sowing, so that seeds could not get damaged by birds and by other organisms.
Sowing by using a seed drill saves time and labour. In order to avoid overcrowding of plants it is very
important to leave some space between two seeds. This also allows plants to get sufficient sunlight,
nutrients and water from the soil.
Threshing: In the harvested crops the grain seeds are separated from the chaff, this process is called
threshing, this is carried out with the help of a machine called combine which works as harvester and
thresher both.
Q10: Define plough and all of its part with the help of a labelled diagram.
The process of loosening and turning of the soil is called tilling or ploughing and is carried on by using a
plough. plough are made by wood or iron material, it is being used since ancient time for different
purposes like tilling the soil, adding fertilisers to crops, removing weeds etc. this implement is drawn by a
pair of bulls or other animals like camels, horses etc.
Q11: Define hoe and all of its part with the help of a labelled diagram.
Ans: The process of loosening and turning of the soil is called tilling or ploughing and is carried on by using
a plough. plough are made by wood or iron material, it is being used since ancient time for different
13
purposes like tilling the soil, adding fertilisers to crops, removing weeds etc. this implement is drawn by a
pair of bulls or other animals like camels, horses etc.
Q12: What are the advantages of a cultivator over plough for the purpose of ploughing?
Ans: Ploughing by cultivators save time and labour as cultivator is driven by tractors whereas plough is
driven by pair of bull.
Q13: How could you separate good and healthy seeds from the damaged ones?
Ans: Take a beaker half filled with water and put some seeds into it and stir well, wait for some time. You
will observe some seeds sink in water while some seeds float in water, damaged seeds become hollow and
lighter and thus they float on water.
Q14: Write a short notes on tools used for sowing seeds.
Ans: Sowing of seeds: One of the important part of crop production is sowing. Good quality seeds are
selected and are sown in prepared soil with the help of various tools like traditional tools and seed drill.
Traditional tools: The shape of this tool is like a funnel which is filled by seeds, then the seeds are passed
down through two or three pipes having sharp ends and these ends pierce into the soil and place seeds
there. Seed drill: Now a day traditional tool has been replaced by seed drill. This tool is used for sowing
with the help of tractors and it sows the seeds uniformly and at proper distances and depth, it also ensures
covering of the seeds from soil after sowing, so that seeds could not get damaged by birds and by other
organisms. Sowing by using a seed drill saves time and labour. In order to avoid overcrowding of plants it is
very important to leave some space between two seeds. This also allows plants to get sufficient sunlight,
nutrients and water from the soil.
Q15: What are the advantages of a seed drill used for sowing?
Ans: Sowing of seeds: One of the important part of crop production is sowing. Good quality seeds are
selected and are sown in prepared soil with the help of various tools like traditional tools and seed drill.
Traditional tools: The shape of this tool is like a funnel which is filled by seeds, then the seeds are passed
down through two or three pipes having sharp ends and these ends pierce into the soil and place seeds
there. Seed drill: Now a day traditional tool has been replaced by seed drill. This tool is used for sowing
with the help of tractors and it sows the seeds uniformly and at proper distances and depth, it also ensures
covering of the seeds from soil after sowing, so that seeds could not get damaged by birds and by other
organisms. Sowing by using a seed drill saves time and labour. In order to avoid overcrowding of plants it is
very important to leave some space between two seeds. This also allows plants to get sufficient sunlight,
nutrients and water from the soil.
Q16: Why an appropriate distance between the seeds while sowing is important?
Ans: Sowing of seeds: One of the important part of crop production is sowing. Good quality seeds are
selected and are sown in prepared soil with the help of various tools like traditional tools and seed drill.
Traditional tools: The shape of this tool is like a funnel which is filled by seeds, then the seeds are passed
down through two or three pipes having sharp ends and these ends pierce into the soil and place seeds
there. Seed drill: Now a day traditional tool has been replaced by seed drill. This tool is used for sowing
with the help of tractors and it sows the seeds uniformly and at proper distances and depth, it also ensures
covering of the seeds from soil after sowing, so that seeds could not get damaged by birds and by other
organisms. Sowing by using a seed drill saves time and labour. In order to avoid overcrowding of plants it is
very important to leave some space between two seeds. This also allows plants to get sufficient sunlight,
nutrients and water from the soil.
Q17: How could we supply nutrients to the soil?
Ans: We can supply nutrients to the soil by adding manure and fertilisers. Manures are organic substances
obtained from the decomposition of plants and animal wastes which provides lot of humus to the soil. It is
very important for the healthy growth of plants, and fertilisers are chemical substances which are rich in
particular nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, they are produced in factories. example:
urea, NPK, ammonium sulphate etc.
Q18: Differentiate between manure and fertilizers.
Ans:
14 Manure Fertiliser
Manure is nothing but organic matter that is used as a fertilizer to It is an inorganic salt
increase the level of nutrients in a soil It is prepared in factories
It can be prepared in field Fertiliser does not provide any
Manure provides a lot of humus to the soil. humus to the soil.
Fertilizers are made up of macronutrients such as nitrogen, Manure is relatively less rich in
phosphorus and potassium. Other substances in smaller plant nutrients
quantities are also present in fertilizers such as iron, copper,
boron, chlorine, manganese, zinc, and selenium
Q19: What do you understand by manuring and what are the harmful effects of improper or insufficient
manuring?
Ans: Farmers add manure to the fields to replenish the soil with nutrients and to increase their crop
production, this process of adding manures to the field is called manuring. Improper manuring results in
poor development of crop plants and unhealthy crops.
Q20: How could we prepare organic manure?
Ans: Organic manure can be prepared in fields. Dump plant and animal wastes in pits at open places and
allow it to decompose by some of the microorganisms; the decomposed matter is used as manure.
Q21: Given three plants A, B and C , A is supplied with proper manure, B is supplied with manure but not
in sufficient quantity, C is not supplied with any kind of manure, which of these A, B and C will show better
growth and why?
Ans: A
Q22: What are the harmful effects of fertilisers?
Ans: Harmful effects of fertilisers: Excessive use of fertilisers makes soil less fertile. It is also considered as
one of the source of water pollution Fertilizers can be either natural (organic) or synthetic. Natural
fertilizers are those that are derived from plants or animals while synthetic fertilizers are those made in a
laboratory. While natural fertilizers never harm the quality of soil and do not damage the produce, overuse
of synthetic fertilizers may harm the soil in the long run.
Q23: What is crop rotation? How it helps in replenishment of the soil?
Ans: Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of different types of crops in the same area in
sequential seasons. Growing the same type of in the same place for many years in a row disproportionately
depletes the soil of certain nutrients. With rotation, a crop that leaches the soil of one kind of nutrient is
followed during the next growing season by a dissimilar crop that returns that nutrient to the soil or draws
a different ratio of nutrients: for example, rice followed by cotton.
Q24: State advantages of manure
Ans: Advantages of manure:
Water holding capacity of soil is increased by adding manure to the soil
It increases the total number of friendly microbes in soil and thus increases soil fertility
By adding manure soil become more porous so that the exchange of gases becomes easy
It improves the texture of the soil.
Q25: What is irrigation and its importance?
Ans: Irrigation is the artificial application of water to crops at different intervals. The time and frequency of
irrigation varies from crop to crop, soil to soil and season to season. Like in summer frequency of irrigation
is higher because of the increased rate of evaporation. Water is very important for proper growth and
development of flowers, fruits and seeds of plants, it plays important role in
germination of seeds
transportation of nutrients in different parts of plants
protects crops from both frost and hot air currents
it maintain the moisture of soil
Q26: Why we should supply more water to crops during summer season?
Ans: Because of the increased rate of evaporation of water from the soil and the leaves it is important to
increase the frequency of watering in summer season.
Q27: Explain traditional methods of irrigation.
Ans: Traditional method of irrigation involves cattle or human labour and thus are cheaper than modern
methods of irrigation, various traditional ways of irrigation are:
15
Moat ( pulley system)
Chain pump
Dhekli
Rahat (Lever system)
Q28: Explain modern methods of irrigation.
Ans: Modern method of irrigation help us to use water economically, it involves following methods:
Sprinkler system: In this system the perpendicular pipes with rotating nozzles on top are joined to the main
pipeline at regular intervals when water is allowed to flow through the main pipe under pressure with the
help of pump, it escape from the rotating nozzles, it gets sprinkled on the crop as if it is raining, sprinkler is
very useful for sandy soil. Drip system: In this system water falls drop by drop just at the position of the
roots. So it is called drip system. It is the best technique for watering plants, trees and garden. This system
provides water to plants drop by drop, and water is not wasted at all
Q29: What do you understand by weeds and weedicides?
Ans: Weeds: weeds are unwanted plants that grow along with crop plants and compete with them for
water, nutrients, space and light, thus they effect growth of crop plants. Some of the weeds are poisonous
for animals and human beings and they interfere even in harvesting of crop plants. Weedicides are
chemical that are sprayed in the fields to kill the weeds, they do not damage the crops. Weedicides are
diluted with water and are sprayed in the field by sprayer to kill the weeds.
Q30: What is the best time for the removal of weeds from the field?
Ans: The best time for the removal of weeds is before they produce flowers and seeds.
Q31: What is harvesting and how it is done?
Ans: The cutting of mature crops is called harvesting. It is done manually by sickle or by harvester.
Q32: Why proper storage of crop products is important?
Q33: How large scale storage of grains is done? How food grains are stored at home?
Ans: It is important to store food grains properly; they should be safe from moisture, insects, rats and
microorganisms. The fresh crops has more moisture so freshly harvested grains should be stored only after
drying properly in the sun otherwise it may get spoilt or attacked by organisms losing their germination
capacity. This prevents the attack by insect pests, bacteria and fungi. Farmers store crops in jute bags or
metallic bins, large scale storage of grains is done in silos or granaries to protect them from pests like rats
and insects. At home dried neem leaves are used to store food grains.
Long Q&A:
Q1: Describe various methods of agricultural practices involved in crop production and management.
Ans: Preparation of soil by tilling and levelling .
Sowing of seeds into prepared soil
Adding manure and fertilisers for replenishment and enrichment of soil and healthy growth of crops
The supply of water to crops at appropriate interval called as irrigation
Protecting from weeds by using weedicides
Harvesting of crops by machines
proper storage to protect them from harmful effects of pests and microorganisms
Q2: Define irrigation, its various methods and explain its two methods which conserve water.
Ans: Irrigation is the artificial application of water to crops at different intervals. The time and frequency of
irrigation varies from crop to crop, soil to soil and season to season. Like in summer frequency of irrigation
is higher because of the increased rate of evaporation. Water is very important for proper growth and
development of flowers, fruits and seeds of plants, it plays important role in
germination of seeds
transportation of nutrients in different parts of plants
protects crops from both frost and hot air currents
it maintain the moisture of soil
Traditional method of irrigation involves cattle or human labour and thus are cheaper than modern
methods of irrigation, various traditional ways of irrigation are:
Moat ( pulley system) Chain pump
Dhekli Rahat (Lever system)
16
Modern method of irrigation help us to use water economically, it involves following methods: Sprinkler
system: In this system the perpendicular pipes with rotating nozzles on top are joined to the main pipeline
at regular intervals when water is allowed to flow through the main pipe under pressure with the help of
pump, it escape from the rotating nozzles, it gets sprinkled on the crop as if it is raining, sprinkler is very
useful for sandy soil. Drip system: In this system water falls drop by drop just at the position of the roots.
So it is called drip system. It is the best technique for watering plants, trees and garden. This system
provides water to plants drop by drop, and water is not wasted at all
Q3: Describe the importance of weedicides, manures and fertilisers in good agricultural practice.
Ans: Weeds: weeds are unwanted plants that grow along with crop plants and compete with them for
water, nutrients, space and light, thus they effect growth of crop plants. Some of the weeds are poisonous
for animals and human beings and they interfere even in harvesting of crop plants. Weedicides are
chemical that are sprayed in the fields to kill the weeds, they do not damage the crops. Weedicides are
diluted with water and are sprayed in the field by sprayer to kill the weeds.
Q4: Explain harvest festivals.
Ans: A Harvest Festival is an annual celebration that occurs around the time of the main harvest of a given
region. The efforts of the farmer of past season borne fruit in the form of crop, laden with grain, at this
point they celebrate harvest festival to express their joy and happiness. Special festivals associated with
the harvest season are pongal, Baisakhi, Holi, Diwali, Nabanya and Bihu.
Q5: Explain how continuous plantation of crops in a field affects the quality of soil.
Ans: Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of different types of crops in the same area in
sequential seasons. Growing the same type of in the same place for many years in a row disproportionately
depletes the soil of certain nutrients. With rotation, a crop that leaches the soil of one kind of nutrient is
followed during the next growing season by a dissimilar crop that returns that nutrient to the soil or draws
a different ratio of nutrients: for example, rice followed by cotton.
Q6: Arrange the following boxes in proper order to make a flow chart of wheat crop production.

Q7: Complete the following word puzzle with the help of below given clues:
Providing appropriate amount of water to the crops
The process of separating grain from the chaff
Substance that provides a lot of humus to the soil
2, 4-D is example of _______________________