Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: Mulching controls soil erosion and improves soil water retention.
Reason R: Intensive tillage-based agricultural production system has had a negative impact on qualities of soil, water, and biodiversity.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true but R is false
• D. A is false but R is true

Hint:

To evaluate Assertion-Reason questions:
Determine the truth of each statement independently first.
If both are true, ask "Why does the Assertion happen?" and check if the Reason provides that direct chemical or physical explanation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Soil conservation and sustainable soil management involve practices that minimize structural degradation and maintain optimal biological, chemical, and physical soil functions.
Mulching and conservation tillage are practices designed to mitigate the negative ecological impacts of conventional, intensive agricultural systems.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements independently:
1. Assertion A: Mulching is the practice of applying organic or inorganic materials (such as straw, crop residues, or plastic films) over the soil surface.
This protective layer intercepts raindrops, reducing their kinetic energy and preventing soil splash and surface sealing, which controls soil erosion.
Additionally, mulching shades the soil and reduces wind velocity at the surface, which decreases water loss through evaporation and improves soil water retention. Thus, Assertion A is true.
2. Reason R: Conventional intensive tillage-based systems involve frequent and heavy soil inversion.
This practice accelerates organic matter decomposition, disrupts soil aggregate stability, exposes bare soil to erosion, reduces soil biodiversity, and contributes to siltation and nutrient runoff in water bodies. Thus, Reason R is true.
While both statements are correct, the negative ecological impacts of intensive tillage do not explain the physical mechanisms by which mulching protects the soil surface and conserves moisture.
Therefore, Reason R is not the correct explanation of Assertion A.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Assertion A and Reason R are true, but Reason R is not the correct explanation of Assertion A, which corresponds to Option (B).