Q. At the heart of agroecology is the idea that agroecosystems should mimic the biodiversity levels and functioning of natural ecosystems.
Such agricultural mimics, like their natural models, can be productive, pest-resistant, nutrient conserving, and resilient to shocks and stresses. In ecosystems there is no ‘waste’, nutrients are recycled indefinitely. Agroecology aims at closing nutrient loops, i.e., returning all nutrients that come out of the soil back to the soil such as through application of farmyard manure. It also harnesses natural processes to control pests and build soil fertility i.e., through intercropping. Agroecological practices include integrating trees with livestock and crops.
Q 1. Consider the following:
1. Cover crops
2. Fertigation
3. Hydroponics
4. Mixed farming
5. Polyculture
6. Vertical farming
Which of the above farming practices can be compatible with agroecology, as implied by the passage?
(a) 1, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 6 only
(d) 4 and 6 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2021 CSAT Paper
Explanation :
Q1: Correct Answer – (a) 1, 4 and 5 only
Explanation – Based on the information given in the passage, farming practices 1 (cover crops), 4 (mixed farming), and 5 (polyculture) can be compatible with agroecology. The passage mentions that agroecology aims to mimic the biodiversity levels and functioning of natural ecosystems and to close nutrient loops by returning all nutrients that come out of the soil back to the soil. It also mentions intercropping and integrating trees with livestock and crops as examples of agroecological practices. Cover crops can help build soil fertility and prevent erosion, mixed farming involves integrating crops with livestock, and polyculture involves growing multiple crops in the same area. All these practices can contribute to increasing biodiversity levels and closing nutrient loops in agroecosystems. So the correct answer is (a) 1, 4 and 5 only.
Fertigation (option 2) is a method of applying fertilizers through irrigation systems. While it can help improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce fertilizer runoff, it does not necessarily involve closing nutrient loops or mimicking natural ecosystems.
Hydroponics (option 3) is a method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in water. While it can help conserve water and nutrients, it does not involve returning nutrients to the soil or mimicking natural ecosystems.
Vertical farming (option 6) involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers using artificial lighting and climate control. While it can help increase crop yields in urban areas with limited space, it does not necessarily involve closing nutrient loops or mimicking natural ecosystems.