Sustainable Land Management with Trees and Crops
A sustainable land management system in which forestry trees are grown along with arable crops — trees may be of timber, fuel wood or fodder use — is known as:
- Agro-forestry — Correct Answer
- Silvipasture
- Mixed farming
- Rotational cropping
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Agro-forestry
Agro-forestry is defined as a land management system in which arable crops + forestry trees are grown together. The trees may be of timber, fuel wood, or fodder use. It is adopted in areas receiving less than 50 cm of annual rainfall (dry farming).
Similar Systems — How to Differentiate
- Agro-forestry: Arable crop + Forestry trees (timber/fuel/fodder)
- Silvipasture: Forestry trees + Pasture + Grazing domestic animals
- Silvi-culture: Growing forest trees for timber or fuel only (no crops/animals)
- Mixed farming: Crop production + Livestock (cattle/buffalo must contribute 10–49% of gross income)
Types of Farming in India
- Dry farming: Areas with <50 cm annual rainfall — Ex: Agro-forestry, Silviculture
- Irrigated/Wetland farming: Ex: Sericulture
- Mixed farming: Most common type in India
- Specialized farming: Most risky; single enterprise >50% income
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Silvipasture — involves pasture/animals with trees, not arable crops.
- Mixed farming — combines crops with livestock rearing, not specifically forestry trees.
- Rotational cropping — growing different crops in sequence on the same land; no forestry component.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Refresher
This multiple choice question is from Animal Refresher, Veterinary Extension Education. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Refresher to strengthen your preparation.
