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).