Definition and Classification of Crops

DEFINITION

A crop is a plant that is grown by man in order to harvest it at some point. The crops grown by the farmer can be classified as follows;

1. According to their uses
2. According to life cycle
3. According to the number of cotyledon

CLASSIFICATION OF CROPS ACCORDING TO THEIR USES

Crops in this category are classified or grouped according to the main food substances existing in them. They are as follows. (i) legumes(ii) cereal (iii) roots and tubers (iv) vegetables (v) fruits (vi) beverages (vii) oil (viii) latex (ix) fibres(x) spices (xi) drugs (xii) forage Crops (xiii) nuts

EVALUATION         

1. What is a crop?
2. Mention ten classification of crops  based on their uses.

CLASSIFICATION OF CROPS ACCORDING TO THEIR LIFE CYCLE

On the bases of life cycle, crops are grouped into three. These are:

• Annual Crops
• Biennial Crops
• Perennial Crops

(a) Annual Crops: These are crops that complete their life cycle in one year or planting season. The crops are planted, grow and are harvested or will die within one year. This group of crops are Maize, Rice, Millet, Yam, Tomato, Millet and Guinea Corn

(b) Biennial Crops: These are crops that complete their life cycle in two years. They use the first year to grow and store food. Reproduction and maturity takes place in the second year. Examples are pineapple, cocoyam, plantain, banana and sugar beet.

(c) Perennial Crops: This group of crop takes more than two years to their life cycle. They are mainly tree crops. They include Rubber, Cocoa, Oil Palm and Orange.

ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER OF SEED-LEAF OR COTYLEDON

Crops can be classified according to the number of seed leaf or cotyledon.

They are

• Monocotyledonous crops
  • Dicotyledonous crops

(a) Mono-cot crops: These are crops that have only one seed leaf or cotyledon. Examples are millet, rice, maize and oil palm.

(b) Di-cot crops: These are crops that have two seed leaves or cotyledon. Examples are cowpea, melon, mango, pumpkin and soya beans.

EVALUATION

1. Define a crop
2. Classify crop based on their life cycle with examples
3. State three examples each of monocot and dicot