Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Cover cropping is a common practice in organic farming systems.
Reason (R): Cover crops help to improve soil health, suppress weeds, and enhance biodiversity, aligning with the principles of organic agriculture
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate 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:

Leguminous cover crops (such as sunnhemp or cowpea) serve a dual purpose in organic systems by protecting the soil surface and fixing atmospheric nitrogen.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cover cropping involves planting non-harvested crops primarily to manage soil erosion, soil fertility, soil quality, water, weeds, pests, and biodiversity in agricultural systems.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Assertion (A) is correct: Cover cropping is a standard practice in organic farming systems to manage soil and crop health without synthetic chemicals.
- Reason (R) is correct: Cover crops (like legumes and grasses) improve soil health by adding organic matter and fixing nitrogen. They also suppress weeds through competition and allelopathy and support insect and soil biodiversity.
- Relationship: Because cover crops provide these physical, chemical, and biological benefits, they are widely used in organic farming. Thus, (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (A).