PRINCIPLES OF CROP PRODUCTION

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CROP PRODUCTION

The pre-planting , planting and post-planting activities that farmers goes through at different times
in order to achieve higher productivity . this can be divided into pre-planting and post-planting
activities.

1. Selection of appropriate varieties.

Many crops have different varieties that are cultivated. But the variety selected by a farmer for
cultivation will be based on the factors such as;

a. The season of cultivation.

b. The soil being used.
c. The type of farming , that is whether subsistence or commercial. It should be noted here
that even in commercial farming , export varieties of crop may differ from varieties for
local consumption.
2. Site selection and land preparation.

After the site is obtained ,the land must be prepared. Land preparation involves activities such as:

a. Clearing of bush.
b. Removal of stumps and any obstructing materials.
c. Tilling of the land
d. Laying out of the site using pegs and lines.

3. Method of propagation and planting methods.

Plant propagation refers to formation and development of new plants (offspring) from the parent
plant. It is the multiplication of plant population. there are two main type of plant propagations
which are sexual propagation and asexual propagation.

a. Sexual propagations

This is also referred to as propagation by seeds. Thus for sexual propagation, seeds are the means of
propagation. New plant can be obtained when seeds are planted or sown and they germinate to
form seedlings and later develop to maturity.

Seed selection for propagations

To select seed for propagation, you should consider the quality of the seed. Seed quality is
influenced by the following factors:

a. Variety purity

(i). Ensure that the seeds belongs to the true variety that is to be grown.

(ii). Select seeds from the inner part of the field to avoid contamination.

(iii). Avoid mixture of seeds.

(iv).Obtain seeds from certified source.