UPSC Prelims 2020 · GS Paper I
Question 83: Geography
What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture ?
- 1.Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of previous crop.
- 2.Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible.
- 3.Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Zero tillage means sowing without ploughing. Wheat can be sown directly through the residue of the previous crop, which avoids burning stubble. Paddy seeds can be sown directly into wet soil without raising a nursery. With less soil disturbance, organic matter is retained, so carbon is sequestered in the soil. All three statements are advantages.
- 1. Wheat can be sown without burning residue.
- 2. Paddy seeds can be sown directly, without a nursery.
- 3. Less soil disturbance helps retain soil carbon.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (c) go: each of them leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Wheat can be sown without burning residue.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 3 out.
What you needed to know: Less soil disturbance helps retain soil carbon.
Only (d) is left. You didn’t need statement 2.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: carbon sequestration is also an advantage.
- (b) Wrong: sowing wheat without burning residue is also an advantage.
- (c) Wrong: statements 1 and 2 are also advantages.
- (d) Right: all three are advantages.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.