UPSC Prelims 2020 question on Eco Friendly Agriculture

Analysis

Crop Diversification refers to the addition of new crops or cropping systems to agricultural production on a particular farm taking into account the different returns from value-added crops with complementary marketing opportunities. It is an eco-friendly practice.

Legume Intensification: Legumes fix the atmospheric nitrogen, release in the soil high-quality organic matter and facilitate soil nutrients' circulation and water retention. Based on these multiple functions, legume crops have high potential for conservation agriculture, being functional either as growing crop or as crop residue. Highly eco-friendly.

Tensiometer Use: A tensiometer in soil science is a measuring instrument used to determine the matric water potential in the vadose zone. When the water pressure in the tensiometer is determined to be in equilibrium with the water pressure in the soil, the tensiometer gauge reading represents the matric potential of the soil. Such tensiometers are used in irrigation scheduling to help farmers and other irrigation managers to determine when to water — reducing water waste. Eco-friendly.

Vertical Farming is the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers. It often incorporates controlled-environment agriculture, which aims to optimize plant growth, and soilless farming techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics. Crops are grown indoors, under artificial conditions of light and temperature. Highly eco-friendly.

All four — Crop diversification, Legume intensification, Tensiometer use, and Vertical farming — are considered eco-friendly agriculture practices.