What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture?
- Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of the previous crop.
- Without the need for a 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:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
- Zero tillage is the process where the crop seed will be sown through drillers without prior land preparation and disturbing the soil where previous crop stubbles are present. It allows for sowing wheat crop without needing to burn the previous crop’s stubble, which helps reduce air pollution and preserve soil nutrients
Statement 2 is correct
- Unlike traditional rice cultivation, zero tillage allows for direct seeding of paddy into the field, eliminating the need for a nursery. This reduces the labour-intensive process of transplanting saplings, saving water and lowering labour costs.
Statement 3 is correct
- This practice, which reduces soil disturbance, can improve soil aggregation and help preserve or increase Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), a key factor in achieving global targets for soil carbon sequestration. No-tillage methods in agro-ecosystems are recommended as an effective strategy for enhancing carbon (C) sequestration in soils.
