Question

Erosion-resistance crop is

• A. Maize
• B. Bajra
• C. Jowar
• D. Black gram

Hint:

Spreading pulses and leguminous cover crops (such as Cowpea, Black gram, and Groundnut) are highly erosion-resistant. In contrast, tall, upright cereals (such as Maize, Sorghum, and Pearl Millet) are erosion-permitting.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Crops can be classified as either erosion-permitting or erosion-resistant based on their canopy cover, root system, and growth habit.
Erosion-permitting crops are typically tall, erect, and widely spaced row crops that leave a large portion of the soil bare.
Erosion-resistant crops are close-growing cover crops that quickly form a dense canopy over the soil, protecting it from water and wind.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each option based on canopy cover and growth habits:
Maize (A), Bajra (B), and Jowar (C): These are tall, erect, widely spaced cereal crops grown in rows.
During their early growth stages, they leave a substantial amount of the soil surface bare and exposed to raindrop impact.
This promotes soil detachment, sealing, and runoff, classifying them as erosion-permitting crops.
Black gram (D): This is a low-growing, spreading leguminous cover crop.
It grows close to the ground, branches heavily, and produces dense foliage.
This dense canopy shields the soil surface from the physical impact of raindrops (reducing splash erosion) and slows down surface runoff velocity.
Additionally, its fibrous root system binds the soil particles together, enhancing soil structure and permeability.
Therefore, black gram is a highly effective erosion-resistant crop.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Black gram is an erosion-resistant crop, which corresponds to option (D).