Question 53 from UPSC CSE 2017 - Environment

Question

Which of the following statements can help in water conservation in agriculture?
1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land
2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 2, and 3

Strategy: Evaluate each agricultural practice—reduced or zero tillage, gypsum application, and leaving crop residue—for its contribution to water conservation. Select all practices that are proven to conserve soil moisture and improve water efficiency.

Key Info: Water conservation in agriculture involves practices that reduce water loss, enhance soil water retention, and optimize water use efficiency.

- **Reduced or zero tillage**: Tillage involves turning and breaking the soil. Reducing or eliminating tillage minimizes soil disturbance, preserving soil structure and organic matter. This leads to better water retention, reduced evaporation, and decreased runoff. Conservation tillage is widely recommended for sustainable water management.

- **Application of gypsum**: Gypsum (calcium sulfate) enhances soil structure, particularly in sodic or saline soils. It improves soil permeability and infiltration by reducing soil crusting and compactness. Better infiltration facilitates water movement into root zones and minimizes runoff losses, thus contributing to water conservation.

- **Leaving crop residue**: Crop residues left on fields act as mulch. Mulching shields the soil from direct sun and wind, greatly reducing evaporation. Residues boost soil organic content and water-holding capacity, and they protect against soil erosion. This practice is a key aspect of conservation agriculture.

These practices are integral to soil and water management strategies advocated by agronomists, ICAR, and international organizations for sustainable agriculture and drought resilience.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 1 and 3 only

Which of the following statements can help in water conservation in agriculture? Reduced or zero tillage of the land Applying gypsum before irrigating the field Allowing crop residue to remain in the field Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Which of the following statements can help in water conservation in agriculture?

Reduced or zero tillage of the land

Applying gypsum before irrigating the field

Allowing crop residue to remain in the field

Select the correct answer using the code given below: