Q. Which of the following practices 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

  • 1 and 2 only
  • 3 only
  • 1 and 3 only
  • 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Notes:

  • Using surface residue covers to increase infiltration and reduce runoff.
    • A residue cover absorbs most of the energy of the raindrops that fall on it and by the time this rainwater reaches the soil below, its ability to disintegrate soil aggregates and detach fine particles is greatly reduced.
  • Using Impermeable and permeable contour barriers at discrete intervals downslope combined with reduced tillage, or preferably zero tillage as in conservation agriculture.
  • The incorporation of lime without or with gypsum will reduce toxic concentrations of aluminium and/or manganese to non-toxic levels and so encourage deeper rooting enabling the crop to access more soil moisture. Gypsum increase the porosity of soil, in result which increase water infiltration in soil.