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 2. Adopting minimum tillage 3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops 4. Using crop residues to cover the soil surface 5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Conservation Agriculture is a set of practices aimed at minimizing soil disturbance, maintaining permanent soil cover, and adopting crop rotations or intercropping.
Avoiding monoculture practices: This does not directly fall under Conservation Agriculture. Monoculture refers to the cultivation of a single crop over a wide area.
Adopting minimum tillage: Minimum or no tillage is one of the key principles of Conservation Agriculture, as it reduces soil disturbance.
Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops: This is not a part of Conservation Agriculture. Plantation crops like tea, coffee, or rubber can be cultivated using conservation agriculture practices.
Using crop residues to cover the soil surface: Maintaining soil cover with crop residues or mulches is a crucial component of Conservation Agriculture.
Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations: Crop rotations and intercropping are recommended practices under Conservation Agriculture to improve soil fertility and reduce pest and disease incidence.
Therefore, the correct options that fall under Conservation Agriculture are 2, 4, and 5.