English for Agriculture unit 5 MONOCULTURE READING

Monoculture

Monoculture is a cropping system in which fields of single crops are cultivated.
It is the predominant agricultural system in the temperate zone and is also practiced in large areas of the tropics.


In general, it is easier to mechanize planting, pest management and harvesting by planting one crop at a time.


The wheat belt of North America and the irrigated ricelands of Southeast Asia are good examples of monoculture.
In monocultural farming systems, one or more crops per year may be grown.
In North America, there is only one annual maize crop, while in the Philippines, there are often two rice crops.


In both instances, the crops are grown under monocultural practices.


Monoculture is a suitable system for mechanization since only one plant type is used.


Mechanization requires uniformity: the farmer with a hoe does not require straight and uniform rows, but the farmer using a tractor needs an unobstructed field with uniform soil condition.


In monocultural systems, it is important for soil tilth that crops be rotated.


Rotation is the practice of not growing the same crop in the same field every year.
With the exception of wetland rice,rotation should be used whenever possible.


Soil is a complex mixture of clay,silt, sand, and organic matter in various stages of decomposition.


By rotating crops, the farmer is able to improve soil structure, break insect and disease cycles, and improve fertility.


A legume, such as alfalfa, is a suitable crop for rotation.