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Environment & Ecology2018
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 the monoculture practices
  2. Adopting minimum tillage
  3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
  4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface
  5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop
rotations Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Explanation

The correct answer is 2, 4, and 5, as these practices align closely with the principles of Conservation Agriculture (CA), which emphasizes sustainable farming by improving soil health and minimizing environmental impact. Minimum tillage (2) reduces soil disturbance, helping to maintain soil structure and organic matter; using crop residues (4) protects the soil surface from erosion and enhances moisture retention; and adopting crop rotations (5) disrupts pest cycles and improves nutrient availability. In contrast, avoiding monoculture (1) is generally encouraged but not strictly a CA practice, while avoiding plantation crops (3) does not directly relate to CA principles, as many CA systems can include diverse cropping systems including plantation crops.

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