Differences between plants and crops

Plants versus Crops

Agricultural science as a subject focuses a lot on plants and animals (not crops and animals). A plant and a crop are not exactly the same thing. Let me state categorically that 'all crops are plants but not all plants are crops'.

Often times, I hear students and teachers use both words interchangeable at classroom level. Ideally, we should be more specific with our use of both words in an academic environment. In this article, we will attempt to make them clearer.

For now, think of a crop as any plant used by humans for the purpose of food, money or something beneficial.

Please read on crops attacked by agricultural pests and their economic importance here.

What are Plants?

All plants belong to one kingdom and that's kingdom plantae. Based on this knowledge, we can comfortably say that crops, weeds, tall trees, shrubs, epiphytes, climbers, creepers are all plants but not necessarily the same kind of plants. They are generally plants because they all belong to the same kingdom (plantae).

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Plants can be categorized into different types based on certain features or characteristics they possess. Consider the instances below:

1. Parasitic Plants: The parasitic plants are not necessarily crops in the sense that aren't generally used by humans for the purpose of food or money.

Parasitic plants are plants that derive some or all of their nutritional requirements from other plants. Parasitic plants possesses a form of modified roots called haustoria which they use for penetration into their host plants.

The term 'host' (as used above) describes a plant that suffers from the actions of a parasitic plant.

Examples of parasitic plants are mistletoe, bird's-nest orchid, cactus mistletoe, striga, rhinanthus and the corpse flower.

The image below shows a parasitic plant (corpse flower) and it is not a crop:

Apart from depending on other plants for food, parasitic plants also carry out photosynthesis.

Please read on autotrophic nutririon and photosynthesis here.

2. Carnivorous Plants: These plants are not necessarily crops.

Carnivorous plants are plants that derive some or most of their nutrients by consuming small animals, especially insects. For this reason, they are sometimes referred to as insectivorous plants.

Examples of carnivorous plants are the venus flytrap, pitcher plant and sundew.

The image below shows a carnivorous plant (venus flytrap) and it is not a crop:

One reason why carnivorous plants feed on insects is because they often find themselves growing on soils with little nitrogen. Insects on their part are a rich sources of nitrogen.

Please read on sources, functions and defficiencies of macronutrients here.

Note: Like every other plants, carnivorous plants also carry out photosynthesis.

3. Trees and Shrubs: Although some trees are classified as crops (tree crops), not all trees and shrubs are crops.

Please read on the tropical rainforest plants here.

Mango trees and Orange trees are crops because they are grown for their fruits. However, plum tree is not a crop, neither does it bear any fruit.

Please read on differences between gymnosperms and angiosperms here.

4: Weeds: Weeds are plants growing where they are neither wanted nor desired.

Often times, we don't consider weeds as crops because they are not needed or desired. As a matter of fact, a farmer will likely cut them down.

In addition to the above instances of plants, epiphytes, climbers and creepers also fall within the plant kingdom; but they are not necessarily crops.

• An epiphyte is a non-parasitic plant that grows on another plant. It is believed to derive its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain water, or from debris accumulating around it. Epiphytes carry out photosynthesis: (that is; they can manufacture their own food). Examples are moss and orchids.
• Climbers and creepers are regarded as plants in need of support as they grow. In this regard, they are always attached to some form of support while growing. Examples are pea plants and ivy plants.

From the above instances, it is quite clear that the categorization of plants can be broad. We can go on and on; but the point is:

All plants are not crops

All crops are plants

You can attempt Len Academy agric science questions here.

What are Crops?

Any plant that is grown for the purpose of food, money or something beneficial is a crop. We will normally cultivate our crops and harvest them when the time is right.

Please read on the agricultural terms, definitions and meanings here.

Generally, crops serve a variety of uses for humans. They are classified as follows based on their uses:

1. Oil Crops: They are grown for the purpose of the oil which they produce when processed. Examples of oil crops are oil palm, coconut, groundnut and melon.

2. Vegetable Crops: They are grown for the purpose of their leaves (or fruits). Examples are pumpkin, water leaf, bitter leaf and okra.

3. Latex Crops: They are grown for the purpose of their sticky liquid (called latex) which are useful in plastic industries. Rubber crop is an example.

4. Drug and Medicinal Crops: Moringa and Ginseng are examples of crops grown for their medicinal values.
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5. Beverage Crops: These crops are grown for the purpose of making drinks. Examples are cocoa, coffee and tea crops.

6. Fibre Crops: They are grown for the purpose of clothing. Cotton, hemp and flax crop are examples of fibre crops

7. Fruit Crops: They are grown for the purpose of their edible fruits. Examples are orange, mango and cashew crops.

8. Root and Tuber Crops: These crops are grown because they serve as major sources of carbohydrates. Examples are yam and potatoes.
   Please read on carbohydrates and sugars here.

9. Legumes: Leguminous crops are very rich in protein. Examples are beans and groundnut.

10. Spices: These crops are grown because they add flavor to food. Examples are onion, pepper and ginger.

11. Cereals: They belong to the grass family and are rich sources of carbohydrates. Examples are rice, maize and millet.

Sometimes, we see plants growing within our environment without us directly planting them. If we find these plants to be useful, we can consider them as crops.