In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture? 1. Crop diversification 2. Legume intensif

1. A. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. B. 3 only
3. C. 4 only
4. D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: A

Explanation

Option (d) is the correct answer: 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. 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. 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. 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. In vertical farming, crops are grown indoors, under artificial conditions of light and temperature. Japan has been one of the early pioneers in vertical farming. It holds the largest share in the global vertical farming market.