HYDROPONICS

Hydroponics (From the Greek words hydro, water and ponos, labor) is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel, mineral wool, or coconut husk.

Advantages
Some of the reasons why hydroponics is being adapted around the world for food production are the following:
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No soil is needed The water stays in the system and can be reused- thus, lower water costs It is possible to control the nutrition levels in their entirety- thus, lower nutrition costs No nutrition pollution is released into the environment because of the controlled system Stable and high yields Pests and diseases are easier to get rid of than in soil because of the container's mobility

Disadvantages
The hydroponic conditions (presence of fertilizer and high humidity) create an environment that stimulates salmonella growth. Other disadvantages include pathogen attacks such as damp-off due to Verticillium wilt caused by the high moisture levels associated with hydroponics and over watering of soil based plants. Also, many hydroponic plants require different fertilizers and containment systems.

MULTIPLE CROPPING

Multiple Cropping in the Highlands of Ecuador (maize, squash, mustard, horse bean) In agriculture, multiple cropping is the practice of growing two or more crops in the same space during a single growing season. It is a form of polyculture. It can take the form of double-cropping, in which a second crop is planted after the first has been harvested. A related practice, companion planting, is sometimes used in gardening and intensive cultivation of vegetables and fruits. One example of multi-cropping is tomatoes + onions + marigold; the marigolds repel some tomato pests.

Advantages
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With multiple cropping the risk of total loss from drought, pests and diseases is reduced. Some of the crops can survive and produce a yield. It gives maximum production from small plots. This can help farmers cope with land shortages. Including legumes in the cropping pattern helps maintain soil fertility by fixing nitrogen in the soil. Different types of crops can be produced, thereby providing a balanced diet for the family. Because of high planting density weeds are suppressed. Different seasonal crops can be planted. For example, crops that require a lot of water can be grown in the wet season, intercropped with drought-resistant crops that can be harvested in the following dry season.

Disadvantages
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Because of year-long crop some pests can shift from one crop to another. The large number of different crops in the field makes it difficult to weed. New technologies such as row planting, modern weeding tools and improved varieties may be difficult to introduce.

CROP ROTATION

Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of dissimilar types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons for various benefits such as to avoid the build up of pathogens and pests that often occurs when one species is continuously cropped.

ADVANTAGES OF CROP ROTATIONS

These are the following advantages of a crop rotation:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Higher yield with out incurring extra investment. Enhanced soil fertility and microbial activities. Avoid accumulation of toxic substances. Better utilization of nutrients and soil moisture. Insurance against natural devastation. Maintain soil health by avoiding insect pest, diseases and weed problems. Provide proper labour, power and capital distribution through out the year. Higher chances to provide diversified commodities. Slow but steady income, which is beneficial to marginal and small farmers.

DISADVANTAGES OF CROP ROTATION

Adopting a crop rotation is always advantageous. However, there are certain ill effects of a rotation if it has not properly followed, as listed below: 1 Repetition of same crops in rotations for many years may nullify long term benefits and may develop associated weeds and insect pest and diseases. 2 Difficult to shift to crops of high demand or ethnic requirements.