Classification of Crops Based on Climate - Agriculture Notes

A crop is a living entity that is cultivated and/or harvested with the goal of producing a yield. Crops are cultivated primarily for commercial reasons. Field crop classification is done to generalize similar crop plants as a class for better understanding. The crops are classified into three types based on seasons. They are Temperate Crops, Tropical Crops, and Subtropical Crops. In this article, we will discuss the Classification of Crops based on Climate which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Importance of Classifying Crop Plants

• To become acquainted with crops.
• To understand the soil and water requirements of various crops.
• To understand crop adaptability.
• Understand crop growing habits.
• To comprehend the climatic needs of various crops.
• Understand the economic value of the crop plant and its application.
• To be aware of the crop's growing season.
• Understand the actual conditions required for plant cultivation.

Classification of Crops Based on Climatic Conditions

• Temperate Crops: Temperate crops are commonly found in cold regions where the climate is mild and temperate.
• Temperate Crops such as apple, plum, cherry, and almond, withstand cold and go into dormancy by shedding all of their leaves during the winter.
• Tropical Crops: Tropical crops are those that cannot withstand extreme cold but can withstand temperatures of up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Those plants require a lot of sunlight, warmth, humidity, and a very mild winter.
• Fruits like papaya, banana, and pineapple are examples of tropical crops and cannot withstand frost for long.
• Subtropical Crops: Subtropical crops with intermediate characteristics include orange, litchi, fig, mango, and cashew nut.
• They require heat and humidity and can withstand mild winters.

Conclusion

The classification of crops based on climate highlights the wide range of climatic requirements of various plants. This does not necessarily imply that a plant from one zone cannot grow in another. For example, temperate annual crops such as potato, Knol Knol, and cabbage grow in tropical and sub-tropical regions as well, but they bloom better in the winter than in other climatic zones.

FAQs

MCQs

Question: Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of ________ (UPSC 2021)

(a) clonal propagation of crop plants

(b) developing genetically modified crop plants

(c) production of plant growth substances

(d) production of biofertilizers

Question: Consider the following crops: (UPSC 2013)

1. Cotton
2. Groundnut
3. Rice
4. Wheat

Which of these are Kharif Crops?

(a) 1 and 4

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 2, 3 and 4