Question:

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: When black pepper is grown on slopes, due care has to be taken to avoid slopes facing south and southwest.
Reason R: The northern and northern eastern slopes planting prevent the scorching effect of sun during summer.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

South and southwest slopes are exposed to intense afternoon sun, which can cause heat stress.
Planting black pepper on northern and northeastern slopes protects the vines from summer heat and conserves soil moisture.
  • Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
  • Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  • A is correct but R is not correct
  • A is not correct but R is correct
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a high-value tropical vine crop that requires a warm, humid climate and is sensitive to intense solar radiation and high temperatures.
When planted on sloped terrains, the orientation of the slope affects the microclimate, including soil moisture and exposure to direct sunlight.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Assertion A highlights a standard management practice in black pepper cultivation.
Slopes facing south and southwest receive intense, direct sunlight during the afternoon, which is the hottest part of the day.
This exposure causes rapid soil dehydration, high evapotranspiration rates, and heat stress on the vines.
Reason R explains the alternative strategy.
Northern and northeastern slopes receive less direct solar radiation during the hot afternoon hours.
Planting on these slopes helps protect the young vines from the scorching effects of the summer sun, preserving soil moisture and maintaining a more favorable humidity level.
Because the orientation of the slope directly regulates sunlight exposure and prevents sun scorching, the reason is the correct explanation for the assertion.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Both Assertion A and Reason R are correct, and Reason R is the correct explanation of Assertion A, which corresponds to Option (A).
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