Species Cultivation at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

Introduced grass and legume species cultivation have largely replaced the native species cultivation except in areas that are too rough, too steep, or too wet for cultivation. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is widely planted in rotation with such grasses as timothy (Phleum pratense) and bromegrass (Bromus inermis) for hay and pasture. Intensive crop production and mixed livestock raising are major snterprises. The corn belt area of the midwestern United States is typical of this condition.

Archaeologists consider the evidence now available as suggesting that the cultivation of rice began in eastern or southern India, as a substitute for the wheat and barley prized by their more progressive western neighbors. Although all cultivated rices are regarded as derivations of the original species cultivation (Oryza sativa), there are many varieties, India alone cultivating about 1,000 recognizable strains, each adapted to local climatic conditions. In this differentiation of subspecies cultivation India leads the remainder of the rice growing area; this is one reason for suspecting that that country was the place of origin for rice cultivation, or at least the center of influence for its diffusion throughout the rice area.

Cultivation. Cultivation is an ancient vineyard practice. It destroys weeds and facilitates other vineyard operations such as irrigation. Contrary to common belief, cultivation does not conserve soil moisture; however, the resulting destruction of weeds does conserve moisture. Discs or chisel-tooth cultivators are used, although some vineyards are still plowed. Heavy disc harrows are used to turn under weeds and cover crops. Weeds have been and are sometimes controlled with oil sprays or chemicals, usually diuron or monuron.