What is Relay Cropping System, Know its features

The relay cropping system is an advanced farming technique where different crops are cultivated on the same land. This method allows farmers to increase both crop yield and income. In this system, the next crop is sown before the previous crop is harvested, ensuring efficient use of land and resources. By adopting this system, farmers can achieve better yields and higher profits.

What is Relay Cropping System?

The relay cropping system, one crop is planted while the previous crop is still growing in the same field. This allows the new crop to benefit from the remaining moisture and nutrients of the previous crop. The sowing of the second crop is done before harvesting the first crop, utilizing the moisture from the previous crop and reducing the need for additional irrigation. This results in higher crop productivity with less water usage.

Benefits of Relay Cropping System:

1. Higher Yield in Less Time: With multi-cropping, farmers can harvest more crops in a shorter period.
2. Increased Income: Relay cropping can significantly boost farmers’ income by allowing them to cultivate more crops in a year.
3. Year-Round Employment: Farmers adopting this system can ensure consistent employment throughout the year.
4. Balanced Fertilizer Use: This method reduces the need for excessive fertilizers, as nutrients are utilized efficiently.
5. Soil Health Maintenance: Crop rotation in relay cropping helps in maintaining soil health and fertility.
6. Water Conservation: This system aids in water conservation while maintaining the soil’s fertility.
7. Better Yield: The success of this system depends on selecting high-yield crop varieties, proper sowing techniques, resource management, pest control, and timely harvesting.

Suitable Vegetables for Relay Cropping:

Many vegetables can be cultivated using the relay cropping technique to maximize benefits.

Cucumber with Chili Farming: For example, cucumber and chili can be grown together using the relay cropping method. In this system, chili is planted on the ridges in February while cucumber is sown afterward. This method also involves growing shallow-rooted crops after deep-rooted ones to ensure optimal nutrient absorption from all layers of the soil. Additionally, legumes like peas and beans can be highly beneficial when included in this cropping system.