Question

Given below are two statements
Statement I: Soil solarization is a relatively recent and sophisticated physical management of soil borne nematodes utilizing the principle of moist heat.
Statement II: Soil solarization is a relatively recent and sophisticated physical management of soil borne nematodes utilizing the principle of synthetic pesticides.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Hint:

Soil solarization is a hydro-thermal, physical method of pest control. It depends on solar radiation and moist heat, completely eliminating the need for synthetic chemical pesticides.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Soil solarization is an environmentally friendly, non-chemical pest control method used to manage soil-borne pathogens, weeds, and nematodes.
It relies on solar radiation trapped under clear plastic covers to raise the temperature of moist soil to levels that are lethal to soil-borne pests.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
- Statement I: Soil solarization involves covering moist, pre-tilled soil with transparent polyethylene sheets during hot summer months.
This traps solar energy via the greenhouse effect, heating the top layers of moist soil.
The moisture conducts heat effectively, generating a "moist heat" effect that denatures proteins and inactivates soil-borne nematodes, fungi, and weed seeds.
This is a physical management technique. Therefore, Statement I is correct.
- Statement II: This statement asserts that soil solarization utilizes the principle of synthetic chemical pesticides.
This is incorrect because soil solarization is a purely physical, hydro-thermal method that avoids the use of any synthetic chemical pesticides, making it highly compatible with organic farming. Therefore, Statement II is incorrect.
Consequently, Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect.

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