Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): The optimum range of soil moisture for effective ploughing is 25 to 50 per cent depletion of available soil moisture.
Statement (II): Light soil can be ploughed in a narrow range of soil moisture conditions while the range is wider for heavy soils.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.
Show Solution
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The Correct Option isC
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Soil tillage requires optimum soil moisture to achieve a friable consistency (tilth) with minimum energy input and structural damage. Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. Statement (I): Tillage operations should be performed when the soil is neither too wet (causing puddling or compaction) nor too dry (causing high friction and large clods).
The ideal moisture state (friable range) is typically achieved when 25 % to 50 % of the available soil moisture has been depleted (corresponding to 50 % to 75 % available water remaining). Thus, Statement (I) is correct.
2. Statement (II): Light (sandy) soils contain minimal cohesive clay particles, meaning they do not become sticky when wet or extremely hard when dry. Consequently, light soils can be ploughed across a wide range of moisture conditions.
Heavy (clayey) soils, however, are highly cohesive. They become sticky and plastic when wet and extremely hard and cloddy when dry.
Therefore, heavy soils have a very narrow moisture window for successful tillage, making Statement (II) incorrect. Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct option is 3, which corresponds to Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
