Question

The chief advantages of strip cropping are:
A. Physical protection against blowing, provided by the vegetation.
B. Soil erosion is limited to a distance equal to the length of the strip.
C. Greater conservation of moisture.
D. The possibility of the earliest harvest.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. A, B and C only
• C. A, B, C and D
• D. A, C and D only

Hint:

Strip cropping is a conservation practice with three main goals: reducing soil erosion from wind, reducing erosion from water, and conserving soil moisture. Any advantage related to these three points is likely correct.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Evaluate each claim about the benefits of strip cropping.
- Claim A: Strip cropping plants crops resistant to erosion in alternating strips with crops prone to erosion. The dense, tall crops serve as windbreaks, offering protection. This is a significant benefit.
- Claim B: Eroded soil from one strip is frequently captured by the adjacent, more vegetated strip, thereby restricting soil displacement. This statement contains an inaccuracy as written; erosion is limited by strip width, not length. However, assuming the intended meaning that soil movement is limited over short distances, which is accurate, this is considered an advantage.
- Claim C: By reducing wind and water runoff speed, strip cropping enhances soil moisture infiltration and minimizes evaporation, leading to improved soil moisture conservation. This is a key advantage.
- Claim D: Harvest scheduling is dictated by crop type and planting dates, independent of strip cropping practices. This is not a direct benefit of the method.
Step 2: Determine the correct combination.
Claims A, B (interpreted according to its likely intent), and C accurately represent advantages of strip cropping. Claim D does not. Consequently, the combination of A, B, and C is the correct selection.