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:

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YESPYQ · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 2, 4 and 5. Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a farming system that promotes minimum soil disturbance (i.e. no tillage), main- tenance of a permanent soil cover, and diversification of plant species. It enhances biodiversity and natural biological pro- cesses above and below the ground surface, which contribute to increased water and nutrient use efficiency and to improved and sustained crop production. According to FAO’s website there are three principles of Conser- vation of Agriculture: 1. Minimum mechanical soil disturbance: It refers to low dis- turbance no-tillage and direct seeding. The disturbed area must be less than 15 cm wide or less than 25% of the cropped area (whichever is lower). 2. Permanent soil organic cover: Three categories are distin- guished: 30-60%, >60-90% and >90% ground cover, measured immediately after the direct seeding operation. An area with less than 30% cover is not considered as CA. 3. Species diversification: Rotation/association should involve at least 3 different crop species. The rotation of crops is not only necessary to offe

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