Extra 30 short questions and answers from the chapter:1 Crop Production and Management for Class 8 Science (CBSE):-

 

What is agriculture?

Agriculture is the practice of growing crops and raising animals for food,

fibre

, and other products.

What are the two main types of crops grown in India?

Kharif crops:

Sown in the rainy season (June-September), e.g., rice, maize.

Rabi crops:

Sown in winter (October-March), e.g., wheat, mustard.

What is crop rotation?

Crop rotation is the practice of growing different types of crops in the same field in sequential seasons to maintain soil fertility.

What is ploughing? Why is it important?

Ploughing is the process of loosening and turning the soil before sowing seeds.

It helps in aerating the soil, removing weeds, and improving soil fertility.

What are the advantages of using a seed drill?

A seed drill helps in sowing seeds at a uniform depth and distance.

It ensures better germination and prevents wastage of seeds.

What is irrigation? Name two modern irrigation methods.

Irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops at regular intervals.

Two modern methods:

Drip irrigation

and

Sprinkler irrigation

.

What are manures? How do they help in agriculture?

Manures are natural fertilizers obtained from decomposed plant and animal waste.

They improve soil fertility and increase crop yield.

What is the difference between fertilizers and manure?

Fertilizers:

Artificial chemicals (e.g., urea, NPK).

Manure:

Natural organic material (e.g., compost, green manure).

Why is excessive use of chemical fertilizers harmful?

It reduces soil fertility, causes water pollution, and can harm beneficial soil organisms.

What is weeding? Name two weeding methods.

Weeding is the process of removing unwanted plants (weeds) from fields.

Methods:

Manual removal

(hand pulling, hoeing) and

Chemical control

(herbicides).

 

What are weeds? Give examples.

Weeds are unwanted plants that grow with crops and compete for nutrients.

Examples:

Parthenium, Amaranthus (

Chaulai

), Xanthium

.

What is the importance of soil preparation?

It improves soil aeration, allows better water absorption, and removes weeds.

What are the advantages of drip irrigation?

Drip irrigation saves water, prevents soil erosion, and provides water directly to plant roots.

What is winnowing? How is it done?

Winnowing is the process of separating grains from husk using wind.

Farmers toss the mixture in the air, and the lighter husk blows away while heavier grains fall down.

What are the advantages of crop rotation?

Prevents soil depletion, reduces pest infestation, and improves soil fertility.

What is harvesting? Name two harvesting tools.

Harvesting is the process of cutting mature crops from fields.

Tools:

Sickle, Harvester

.

What is threshing? How is it different from winnowing?

Threshing is the process of separating grains from stalks.

Winnowing

removes husk from grains after threshing.

What are granaries and silos?

Granaries

are storage structures used by farmers for grains.

Silos

are large commercial storage structures.

What are the benefits of mixed cropping?

Reduces risk of crop failure, prevents soil exhaustion, and increases total yield.

Why should grains be dried before storage?

Drying prevents fungal growth, insect infestation, and spoilage.

 

What is the role of pesticides in farming?

Pesticides protect crops from insects, fungi, and rodents, preventing crop loss.

How does excessive irrigation affect the soil?

Leads to waterlogging, reduces air circulation in soil, and affects root growth.

What is the difference between traditional and modern irrigation methods?

Traditional methods:

Use wells, canals, and manual

labor

.

Modern methods:

Include sprinkler and drip irrigation, which save water and

labor

.

Why is organic farming becoming popular?

It avoids harmful chemicals, maintains soil health, and produces healthier crops.

What is storage of grains? Why is it important?

Storage prevents spoilage from moisture, pests, and microorganisms, ensuring food security.

How does nitrogen fixation help in farming?

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria (like Rhizobium) convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, enriching soil fertility.

What is the role of earthworms in soil?

Earthworms improve soil aeration and fertility by decomposing organic matter into humus.

How does mulching help in farming?

Mulching conserves soil moisture, controls weeds, and improves soil quality.

What is the function of a harvester?

A harvester cuts and collects crops efficiently, reducing manual

labor

.

What precautions should be taken while using pesticides?

Wear protective gear, use the correct dosage, and avoid spraying near water sources.