Question

Alley cropping' means
A. Growing of pastures in between two widely spaced rows of fast-growing trees
B. Growing of field crops in between two widely spaced rows of fast-growing trees
C. Growing of only short duration crops in between two widely spaced rows of fast-growing trees.
D. Growing of only fooder crops in between two widely spaced rows of first grown trees.

Answer 1

Alley cropping is the cultivation of food crops between rows of trees. Alley cropping varies from intercropping and companion cropping.

Complete answer: Alley cropping provide conservational benefits, improved crop quality, diversified income which is profitable to farmer.
The benefits of Alley cropping are as below-
1. Diversified income- Field crops provide regular or more specifically we can say, seasonal income and long term investment income is gained from trees.
2. Land improvement- Alley cropping decreases soil erosion so, land quality is increased.
3. Rows of trees provide shelter to crop fields. These prevent wind erosion and thus, create a micro-environment.
4. Increases crop quality.
5. Increases bio-diversity for new organisms.
6. Creates a new habitat for several micro-organisms as well as for several animals.
Combinations of trees and crops are usually grown in Alley cropping are –
Timber hardwood with corn or soya-bean.
The Conifer trees with cropping several medicinal herbs.
Hard-wood tree such as black walnut with wheat or corn is grown.
So, the correct answer to the given question will be option B. Growing of field crops in between two widely spaced rows of fast-growing trees.

Note: The strong root network of trees prevents soil erosion in Alley farming. Several agroforestry organizations are motivating farmers to practice Alley farming because of its conservational benefits.