Conservation Agriculture Practices
Question
With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of "Conservation Agriculture" assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture?
- 1.
Avoiding monoculture practices is part of Conservation Agriculture
- 2.
Adopting minimum tillage is part of Conservation Agriculture
- 3.
Avoiding cultivation of plantation crops is part of Conservation Agriculture
- 4.
Using crop residues to cover soil surface is part of Conservation Agriculture
- 5.
Adopting crop sequencing/crop rotations is part of Conservation Agriculture
Options
1, 3 and 4
2, 3, 4 and 5
2, 4 and 5
1, 2, 3 and 5
Explanation
Conservation Agriculture is based on three main principles: (1) minimal soil disturbance (minimum/zero tillage), (2) permanent soil cover (using residues), and (3) crop rotation/diversification. Statement 2 (minimum tillage) is a core principle. Statement 4 (crop residue as soil cover) is a core principle, reducing soil erosion and improving organic matter. Statement 5 (crop rotation) is a core principle promoting soil health and pest management. Statement 1 (avoiding monoculture) relates to diversification but is not specifically termed a main principle of Conservation Agriculture in standard definitions. Statement 3 (avoiding plantation crops) is incorrect; Conservation Agriculture doesn't specifically mandate avoiding plantation crops—the focus is on soil conservation practices regardless of crop type. The three core principles are minimum tillage, soil cover, and crop rotation. > Conservation Agriculture: Minimum Tillage + Crop Residue Cover + Crop Rotation = Soil Health.
Question details
Year
2018
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q59
Subject
Environment
Sub-topic
Sustainable Agriculture
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
Ministry of Agriculture - Conservation Agriculture Guidelines
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