One of the most popular means of raising crops for the farmers have been poly culture. It not only allows the growth of better crops but also helps in the growth of a variety of crops at a given point of time. Here in, in greater detail, we have outlined the aspects of poly culture in the sustainable agriculture.

Poly culture : Means to effective sustainable farming

1) Mixed Cropping is one of the most popular poly culture method

There are primarily two means by which poly culture method for sustainable farming can be exercised. The first method is mixed cropping. As the name suggests, mixed cropping involves, raising of multiple crops in a single field . This primarily has various benefits . The most important benefit of all is that this poly culture method reduces and to some extent also eradicates the risk of crop failures.

This poly culture method also provides a stable and a very dependable yield for the farmers so that they have a continuous source of income . This source of income is still there even when the farmers have to deal with natural calamities . While aiming at sustainable agriculture, the mixed farming allows the natural means of raising crops.

By the term natural, we mean to say that, mixed cropping basically exemplifies on the fact that poly culture is not a manipulated process . The procedure of mixed cropping does not involve any fixed mechanism of sowing the seed nor does it involve any peculiar categorization of crop rows in the fields . Mixed cropping does not only mean that there are more than one type of crop in the field . This also reflects on the idea that the seeds are mixed before sowing .

2) Intercropping is one of the most famous poly culture method

This cropping mechanism has grown more popular over the years as compared to mixed cropping. This cropping mechanism follows a particular pattern of seed sowing. Intercropping also takes in to consideration the different crop rows in the fields. Depending upon the rows, specific seeds are sown in intercropping, thus there is proper segregation.

Unlike the earlier mixed cropping poly culture method, intercropping mechanism does not involve mixing of seeds before planting . As per studies, this intercropping method is much more productive than the earlier method of mixed cropping. The productivity occurs since specific fertilizers and insecticides are used depending upon the crop variety. This ensures the plants get the required nourishment and care they deserve . Since the crops in this method of poly culture are given individual care, this also helps in increasing the productivity factor of the crops. By and large the types of intercropping has also increased in India.

Likewise, the most popular types of intercropping practised in India are, relay intercropping, row intercropping, row strip intercropping, mixed intercropping to name a few. The method of intercropping further makes use of the method of living mulches . This method of living mulches makes proper utilization of the land. This also efficiently uses the energy invested in the field. Since, crops receive individual care, therefore they grow better in a less competitive environment as compared to mixed cropping.

3) What are the benefits of this poly culture method for a better sustainable agriculture environment ?

a) The poly culture method makes the maximum use of the natural means and also uses the most of the complimentary parts available. Likewise, poly culture includes resources like the nitrogen fixing plants which are primarily the legumes . Poly culture also makes use of the social factor of growth, that is the human labour. In addition to these resources, poly culture makes use of the available land resource to its optimum level . If the land suppose, does not have proper space to raise crop or any other vegetable, then it is used to grow fodder crops.

b)  The productivity of the poly culture is very high owing to the diversity of the crops grown. Statistical data shows us that the farmers with the help of poly culture method can easily enjoy more than one harvest every year . This increases their income and also helps them increase their saving for future requirements and adversities . While implementing poly culture method, farmers need to remember that cash crops like sugarcane, cotton, tobacco cannot be grown.

c) Poly culture makes use of very minimum quantity of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Due to minimum chemical substances, the quality of the food produce is also high as compared to conventional method . By the method of intercropping, the growth of weed is naturally inhibited.