Agricultural cycle
The agricultural cycle is the annual cycle of activities related to the growth and harvest of a crop (plant). These activities include loosening the soil, seeding, special watering, moving plants when they grow bigger, and harvesting, among others. Without these activities, a crop cannot be grown. The main steps for agricultural practices include preparation of soil, sowing, adding manure and fertilizers, irrigation, harvesting and storage.
Seeding
The fundamental factor in the process of
Seedling
Germination is a process by which the seed develops into a seedling. The vital conditions necessary for this process are water, air, temperature, energy, viability and enzymes. If any of these conditions are absent, the process cannot undergo successfully. Germination is also known as sprouting; it is also considered the first sign of life shown by a seed.[3]
Pollination
The process of pollination refers to the transfer of pollen to the female organs of the plant. Optimum factors for ideal pollination are a relative humidity rate of 50–70% and temperature of 24.4 °C. If the humidity rate is higher than 90%, the pollen would not shed. Increasing air circulation is a favourable method of keeping humidity levels under control.[4]
Irrigation
Irrigation is the process of artificially applying water to soil to allow plant growth. This term is preferably used when large amounts of water is applied to dry, arid regions in order to facilitate plant growth. The process of irrigation not only increases the growth rate of the plant but also increases the yield amount. In temperate and tropical areas rainfall and snowfall are the main suppliers of irrigation water, but in dry places with unfavourable weather conditions, groundwater serves as an essential source. Groundwater collects in basins made up of gravel and aquifers, which are water-holding rocks. Dams also act as an essential distributive source of irrigation water. Underground wells also play an important role in storing water for irrigation, specifically in America, and Arizona, in particular.[5] Water and debris from streams filled by water accumulated during storms also collect into underground basins. There are two types of irrigation techniques: spray irrigation and drip irrigation. Drip irrigation is regarded as more efficient as less water evaporates than in spray irrigation.[6]
References
- ^ "Principles of Grafting and Budding" (PDF). Texas A&M University. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-03-09. Retrieved 2022-07-21.
- Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2022-07-21.
- ProQuest 7889762.
- ^ Rowe, Jervis E. (2011). Crop Selection and Management. Retrieved from http://www.cardi.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Crop-Selection-and-Management.
- ^ Brown, Paul W. Importance of Irrigation Management. Retrieved from http://alfalfa.ucdavis.edu/+symposium/proceedings/2008/08-141.pdf
- ^ Science Channel. What is irrigation?. Retrieved from http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/what-is-irrigation Archived 2013-05-15 at the Wayback Machine