why does the farmer grow pea plant with wheat crops
this is called intercropping...here one srop needs high amount of nutrients so to maintain nutrient level the farmer uses some low nutrient demanding crops....here it is the same case
why does the farmer grow pea plant with wheat crops
Introduction:
Farmers often practice intercropping, which involves growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land. One common combination is growing pea plants with wheat crops. This practice offers several benefits and contributes to a more sustainable and efficient agricultural system.
1. Nutrient Utilization:
Pea plants belong to the legume family and have the unique ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. This process converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be utilized by plants. Wheat crops require a significant amount of nitrogen for optimal growth and development. By growing pea plants alongside wheat, the nitrogen fixed by the peas can be beneficially utilized by the wheat, reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
2. Weed Suppression:
Intercropping pea plants with wheat can help in suppressing weed growth. Pea plants are vigorous growers and tend to form a dense canopy, shading the ground and preventing weed seeds from germinating and growing. This reduces the competition between weeds and wheat, leading to higher yields and less reliance on herbicides.
3. Pest and Disease Control:
The intercropping of pea plants with wheat can also contribute to pest and disease management. Pea plants attract beneficial insects that feed on common wheat pests, such as aphids. These natural predators can help control pest populations and reduce the need for chemical insecticides. Additionally, pea plants are less susceptible to certain diseases that commonly affect wheat, acting as a buffer and reducing the spread of diseases within the crop system.
4. Soil Health and Structure:
Pea plants have deep roots that can penetrate the soil, improving its structure and increasing water infiltration. This helps in preventing soil erosion and enhancing soil health. The addition of organic matter from the decomposing pea plants also enriches the soil, promoting the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms.
Conclusion:
Growing pea plants with wheat crops provides numerous benefits, including improved nutrient utilization, weed suppression, pest and disease control, and enhanced soil health. This intercropping practice contributes to the sustainability and efficiency of agricultural systems by reducing the reliance on synthetic inputs and promoting ecological balance.
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