MCQs on Conservation Agriculture:

10 multiple-choice questions with explanations for each correct answer:

What is the primary goal of Conservation Agriculture?

A) To maximize the use of chemical fertilizers

B) To increase the frequency of tilling the soil

C) To promote sustainable and efficient use of natural resources

D) To focus solely on increasing crop yield

Correct Answer: C) To promote sustainable and efficient use of natural resources​​

Explanation: Conservation Agriculture aims to conserve, improve, and make more efficient use of natural resources through integrated management of available soil, water, and biological resources, contributing to environmental conservation and enhanced agricultural production.

Which principle is not a part of the three basic principles of Conservation Agriculture?

A) Minimum soil disturbance

B) Permanent soil cover

C) Diversified crop rotations including a legume

D) Maximum use of synthetic pesticides

Correct Answer: D) Maximum use of synthetic pesticides​​

Explanation: The three basic principles of Conservation Agriculture are minimum soil disturbance, maintaining a permanent soil cover, and diversified crop rotations including a legume. The use of synthetic pesticides is not a principle of Conservation Agriculture.

What historical event in the USA influenced the development of Conservation Agriculture?

A) The Industrial Revolution

B) The Dust Bowl in the 1930s

C) World War II

D) The Great Depression

Correct Answer: B) The Dust Bowl in the 1930s​​

Explanation: The Dust Bowl in the 1930s, caused by extensive tillage practices and exposure of soil to wind, was a significant event that influenced the development of Conservation Agriculture in the USA.

What is the effect of continuous soil tilling without adding organic matter?

A) It improves soil health and quality of produce

B) It has no significant impact on soil or produce

C) It enhances soil fertility and water retention

D) It adversely affects soil health and quality of produce

Correct Answer: D) It adversely affects soil health and quality of produce​​

Explanation: Continuous tilling of soil without the addition of organic matter leads to adverse effects on soil health and the quality of the produce.

Which of the following is not a benefit of Conservation Agriculture?

A) Enhanced microbial diversity

B) Increased soil erosion

C) Improved soil structure

D) Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Correct Answer: B) Increased soil erosion​​

Explanation: Conservation Agriculture offers numerous benefits including enhanced microbial diversity, improved soil structure, and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Increased soil erosion is not a benefit but rather a problem addressed by Conservation Agriculture.

What is a critical element in crop residue management under Conservation Agriculture?

A) Removal of all residues from the field

B) Burning of crop residues

C) Retention of residues as mulch on the soil surface

D) Use of residues exclusively for animal feed

Correct Answer: C) Retention of residues as mulch on the soil surface​​

Explanation: In Conservation Agriculture, a critical element of crop residue management is retaining residues as mulch on the soil surface, which helps in conserving soil moisture and organic carbon.

What was a major agricultural practice before the adoption of Conservation Agriculture?

A) No-till farming

B) Organic farming

C) Intensive tillage operations

D) Permaculture

Correct Answer: C) Intensive tillage operations​​

Explanation: Before the adoption of Conservation Agriculture, intensive tillage operations were a major agricultural practice. This practice often led to soil degradation, erosion, and other environmental issues.

Which crop rotation practice is emphasized in Conservation Agriculture?

A) Monocropping

B) Diversified rotation with a legume

C) Fixed crop rotation

D) Rotation with only cereal crops

Correct Answer: B) Diversified rotation with a legume​​

Explanation: Conservation Agriculture emphasizes diversified crop rotation, including the incorporation of a legume. This practice helps in nutrient recycling, pest control, and maintaining soil health.

What is a key challenge addressed by Conservation Agriculture in the context of climate change?

A) Increasing use of chemical fertilizers

B) Mitigation and adaptation to climate change

C) Reduction in crop diversity

D) Sole reliance on traditional farming methods

Correct Answer: B) Mitigation and adaptation to climate change​​

Explanation: Conservation Agriculture addresses the key challenge of climate change by offering practices that contribute to both mitigation and adaptation, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience to climate variability.

What technological advancement is associated with Conservation Agriculture?

A) Development of high-intensity chemical fertilizers

B) Evolution of heavy, expensive tillage equipment

C) Advancements in irrigation systems

D) Innovative equipment for no-till farming

Correct Answer: D) Innovative equipment for no-till farming​​

Explanation: A key technological advancement associated with Conservation Agriculture is the development of innovative equipment for no-till farming. This includes machines like the happy seeder and zero-till drills that facilitate planting without disturbing the soil.

***