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UPSC Prelims 2017 · Agriculture · Farming Green
Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture? Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- Reduced or zero tillage of the land.
- Applying gypsum before irrigating the field.
- Allowing crop residue to remain in the field.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Zero tillage and residue retention conserve water.
Statement by statement
1. ✓ YES Less tillage keeps moisture in the soil.
2. ✗ NO Gypsum reclaims sodic soils; it is not a water-saving step.
3. ✓ YES Residue on the surface cuts evaporation.
Why the others are wrong
(a) Adds gypsum.
(b) Drops zero tillage.
(d) Adds gypsum.
The trap
Gypsum does improve soil infiltration in sodic soils — but it is a soil-reclamation step, not a water-saving practice.
🔒 Water-saving: zero tillage, mulching/residue, drip, alternate wetting and drying, DSR.