Previous Year Question
What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture?
Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of 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 codes given below.
1 and 2
2 and 3
Only 3
1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Under zero tillage, the field is not conventionally ploughed or inverted before sowing a crop.
A specialized seed drill places seeds and fertilizers directly into the ground with minimum soil disturbance.
After harvesting paddy, wheat can be directly sown among the residues remaining in the field using machines such as the Happy Seeder.
This reduces the need to burn the residue of the previous crop. Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.
Crop residues remaining on the surface as mulch can help conserve soil moisture and restrict the growth of weeds.
Under zero tillage, paddy seeds can be sown directly into wet soil using suitable machinery.
This direct-seeded rice method removes the need to prepare a nursery and transplant rice seedlings. Therefore, Statement 2 is correct.
Reduced tillage may slow the breakdown of soil aggregates and the organic matter present in them.
Retaining crop residues in the field can increase the amount of organic carbon in the soil.
Therefore, with appropriate management, zero tillage can contribute to carbon sequestration in the soil. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
It may also help reduce soil erosion, water runoff and moisture loss.
It can reduce tractor use, fuel consumption, labour, cost and the time required for sowing.
Zero tillage is one component of conservation agriculture; the other components are permanent soil cover and diversified crop rotations.
Its effects depend on soil type, climate, residue management, crop rotation and duration.
Potential challenges include weed control, the need for specialized machinery and pests or diseases under improper management.