Multiple cropping to increase agrobiodiversity and sequester carbon dioxide

The use of chemical fertilizers in the past 6-7 decades has left the soils less fertile and filled with residual pesticides and other inorganic chemicals. Before the advent of chemical fertilizers we were happy with organic agriculture. One of the main practices in organic agriculture is that this s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current science (Bangalore) 2008-10, Vol.95 (7), p.815-815
Main Author: Sarma, V. Venkateswara
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carbon dioxide
CORRESPONDENCE
Intercropping
Multiple cropping
Organic farming
Plants
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Summary:The use of chemical fertilizers in the past 6-7 decades has left the soils less fertile and filled with residual pesticides and other inorganic chemicals. Before the advent of chemical fertilizers we were happy with organic agriculture. One of the main practices in organic agriculture is that this system does not believe in monoculture but strongly advices mixed crops. The advantage of mixed cropping is that it will ensure some income even if one of the crops fails due to pests, diseases, drought or any other natural calamity. If no damage occurs, additional income could be generated from the trees. A few trees planted intermittently or along the borders is part and parcel of mixed cropping and the same would provide some additional income, a boundary, and could harbour birds and other predatory organisms which could check pests. Mixed cropping also promotes agrobiodiversity.
ISSN:0011-3891