Question

Ploughing in wetlands is called:

• A. Tillage
• B. Puddling
• C. Leveling
• D. Harrowing

Hint:

Puddling destroys the soil structure for upland crops that follow rice, which is why "Zero Tillage" is often recommended for Wheat after Rice to avoid the harmful effects of previous puddling.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Puddling is a specific type of soil management practice unique to wetland rice cultivation.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. Puddling involves churning the soil in the presence of standing water.
2. The primary objective is to break down soil aggregates and create an impervious layer (plough pan) below the surface.
3. This reduces deep percolation of water, which is essential for maintaining standing water in rice fields.
4. It also helps in controlling weeds and making transplanting easier by softening the topsoil.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Ploughing in flooded or wetland conditions is specifically termed as puddling.