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 code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — 1, 2 and 3
Zero tillage is a conservation agriculture practice where seeds are sown directly into untilled soil, leaving crop residues on the field. This method offers multiple environmental and economic benefits including reduced labor costs, improved soil health, and enhanced carbon storage.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Zero tillage allows wheat sowing directly into fields with previous crop residue (like rice stubble) intact, eliminating the need for burning, which reduces air pollution and preserves soil nutrients.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Direct seeding of paddy (DSR - Direct Seeded Rice) in wet soil is possible under zero tillage, bypassing the traditional nursery-transplanting method, saving water, labor, and time.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: By leaving crop residues undisturbed and minimizing soil disturbance, zero tillage enhances organic matter retention and carbon sequestration in soil, mitigating climate change.
📝 Short Notes: Zero Tillage/Conservation Agriculture
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Sowing crops directly into untilled soil with minimal soil disturbance |
| Other Names | No-till farming, Conservation tillage |
| Key Benefits | • Reduces soil erosion • Conserves soil moisture • Reduces fuel and labor costs • Prevents stubble burning • Enhances carbon sequestration |
| Environmental Impact | Reduces CO₂ emissions, prevents air pollution from burning, improves soil biodiversity |
| Application in India | Promoted in Punjab, Haryana for wheat after rice; reduces stubble burning |
| Challenges | Requires specialized machinery (zero-till seed drills), initial investment, farmer training |
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