Crop

Crop is a term used in agriculture to refer to plants that are grown and harvested on a large scale for various purposes, including food, fiber, fuel, or ornamental use. The term can also refer to the yield of such plants within a specific period or area.

Overview

Crops are typically classified into two main types: food crops and non-food crops. Food crops are grown for consumption, either by humans or livestock, and include grains, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Non-food crops, on the other hand, are grown for other purposes, such as for producing biofuel, fiber, medicinal plants, or ornamental plants.

Types of Crops

Food Crops

Food crops are the most common type of crops and are grown for human consumption. They include:

• Grains: These are small, hard, dry seeds that can be eaten whole or milled into flour. Examples include wheat, rice, corn, and barley.
• Vegetables: These are plants whose parts, such as leaves, stems, roots, or flowers, are used for food. Examples include lettuce, spinach, carrots, and broccoli.
• Fruits: These are the mature ovaries of flowering plants, usually containing seeds. Examples include apples, oranges, bananas, and berries.
• Nuts: These are hard-shelled fruits that contain a single, large seed. Examples include almonds, walnuts, and pecans.

Non-Food Crops

Non-food crops are grown for purposes other than human consumption. They include:

• Biofuel crops: These are plants used to produce biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. Examples include corn, sugarcane, and soybeans.
• Fiber crops: These are plants used to produce natural fibers, which can be used in the manufacture of textiles, rope, and paper. Examples include cotton, flax, and hemp.
• Medicinal plants: These are plants used in the production of pharmaceuticals. Examples include foxglove, which is used to produce the heart medicine digitalis, and willow, which is used to produce aspirin.
• Ornamental plants: These are plants grown for their aesthetic appeal, rather than for food or other practical uses. Examples include roses, tulips, and daffodils.

See Also

• Agriculture
• Farming
• Horticulture

Crop Resources
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