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Agronomy QUESTION #2054
Question 1
Which of the following statements about zero tillage (direct seeding) in the rice–wheat cropping system of South Asia is MOST agronomically accurate?
  • Zero tillage increases soil compaction, always reducing wheat yields below conventionally tilled wheat
  • Zero tillage allows timely wheat planting after rice harvest, reducing the turnaround period, conserving soil moisture, lowering production costs, and achieving equal or higher yields compared to conventional tillage when managed correctly✔️
  • Zero tillage is only beneficial in light sandy soils and fails in clay loam soils typical of rice–wheat zones
  • Zero tillage eliminates the need for all herbicide application in wheat
Correct Answer Explanation
In the rice–wheat system, delayed wheat planting after rice harvest is a major yield constraint. Zero tillage (using zero-till drills) reduces the turnaround period by 10–15 days, conserves residual soil moisture, reduces diesel use by 60–70%, and achieves comparable or higher yields than conventional tillage — demonstrated across millions of hectares in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.