Basic knowledge in Agriculture #8

Tuber crops are food crops in form of stems and roots that are edible enough. Example includes cassava, potatoes, yams, taro etc
Grain crops are in form of seeds that can be eaten. They are mostly cereals and legumes; example are barley, rice, soybeans, oats and so on.

Source:https://surl.li/aryutf

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What are the main differences between tubers and grain crops?:

• SIZE: in terms of size, tubers tend to be more bigger and longer than grains, that are of small size and length. Even the smallest ones of the tubers is much more in advantage than grains. Grains can be said to be tiny, in fact.
• GROWTH: the place of growth in these two food crops are different. While grains grow above the ground, tubers grow underground and beneath the soil. Grains grow and can be harvested from their plant’s stem; on the other hand, tuber crops , as an extension of their plant's roots, grow freely under the soil. They are uprooted instead.
• SHELF LIFE (storage): in the aspect of getting spoilt or how long it takes to get spoilt, the difference is clear between the two crops. Tubers tend to have a shorter shelf life compared to grains.
  Tubers, after a period of time, even when well stored in a barn would begin to show vegetative growth on them. But they're not underground and as time goes on, there is no continuation of growth and they get spoilt instead.
  While grains would last long even for a couple of years, as long as they are well stored in a cool place devoid of moisture after being harvested.
• GROWTH MORPHOLOGY: in terms of the crops' structures, one grows vertically while the other grows horizontally.
  Tuber crops grow like vines; its stems practically lawn over where they are grown while most of grain crops (except beans) have their plants' stems growing straight and upright.
• CULTIVATION: when dealing with the cultivation of tubers, it is important to note that these crop require soils that can drain enough water. Roots, normally need water to grow much less when it would be expanding for consumption later on. If we have to water tuber crops from above, the soil must be able to retain so much water enough for the normal roots and the root crops.
  Grains, on the other hand can grow on any soil, as long as it is exposed to enough moisture, through frequent or daily watering.

How tuber crops impact food security?

First food security is what?
It is the availability of foods, sufficient, safe and nutritious enough for man's consumption and nutritional requirements.
And not just for consumption, also for the social stability and economic development of the nation.

So, in what ways do tubers achieve this?

1. Tubers are resilient to climate change and weather. Hence, They are able to grow well
2. They are more accessible than grains, making their availability easier.
3. Tubers, require a few external stimulation (e.g fertilizers), making their cultivation easy and inexpensive.
4. Growing tubers also serve as a means of income production. They can be a source of livelihood to the farmers and sellers.
5. They are rich in vitamin A, iron, zinc and other nutrients for man's health an also to correct micronutrient deficiencies.
6. Tubers are source of carbohydrates, a form of balanced diet which provides energy for man

Here we go.
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