UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 93
What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture?
- Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of the previous crop.
- Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible.
- Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D (1, 2 and 3)
Explanation: Zero tillage allows wheat sowing through retained preceding-crop residues, can facilitate direct rice seeding under suitable systems and reduces soil disturbance, aiding soil carbon retention.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Correct - A zero-till drill can plant wheat without burning the previous crop’s stubble.
2. Correct - Direct-seeded rice avoids transplant nurseries and can be combined with reduced/zero soil tillage.
3. Correct - Less disturbance and retained residues can increase soil organic-carbon sequestration under appropriate management.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-omits correct item 3 (Less disturbance and retained residues can increase soil organic-carbon sequestration under appropriate management).
B. Incorrect-omits correct item 1 (A zero-till drill can plant wheat without burning the previous crop’s stubble).
C. Incorrect-omits correct item 1 (A zero-till drill can plant wheat without burning the previous crop’s stubble); omits correct item 2 (Direct-seeded rice avoids transplant nurseries and can be combined with reduced/zero soil tillage).
D. Correct-includes all and only valid statements/items 1, 2, 3.
Review note: Direct-seeded rice is not automatically zero-till under every method; the benefit depends on cropping system.