Question

Given below are two statements, one is labeled as Assertion (A), and the other one is labeled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Wind Erosion Equation E = f (ICKLV)
Reason (R): Wind erosion equation determination for the reduction of soil erosion to tolerable limits necessitates the adoption of properly planned cropping practices and soil conservation measures.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct.
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct.

Hint:

The Wind Erosion Equation (WEQ) has five parameters: \( I, K, C, L, V \).
Think of the acronym ICKLV to quickly recall all five variables during exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Wind erosion is a major soil degradation process in arid and semi-arid regions.
Predicting potential soil loss is essential for designing effective conservation strategies.
The Wind Erosion Equation (WEQ) is a mathematical model developed to estimate potential average annual soil loss from agricultural fields due to wind.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Assertion (A): The Wind Erosion Equation was developed by Woodruff and Siddoway in 1965.
It is expressed as:
\[ E = f(I, K, C, L, V) \]
where:
- \( E \) is the potential average annual soil loss.
- \( I \) is the soil erodibility index.
- \( K \) is the ridge roughness factor.
- \( C \) is the climate factor.
- \( L \) is the unsheltered distance across the field.
- \( V \) is the vegetative cover factor.
Thus, Assertion (A) is correct.
Reason (R): The primary application of this equation is to design wind erosion control systems.
To reduce potential soil loss to tolerable limits, farm managers must adopt conservation measures such as strip cropping, windbreaks, cover crops, and reduced tillage.
Thus, Reason (R) is also correct.
However, the reason describes the *application* and *purpose* of using the equation.
It does not explain the physical or biological basis of why the equation is formulated as a function of those five specific parameters (\( I, K, C, L, V \)).
Therefore, both statements are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both statements are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).