1. Permaculture Farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are pre-dominant.
2. Conventional chemical farming can cause increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming.
3. Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions.
4. Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a. 1 and 3
b. 1, 2 and 4
c. 4 Only
d. 2 and 3
18. Ans: b
Explanation:
Permaculture as a concept and a movement emerged from combining the words “permanent” and “agriculture.” It was first developed by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in 1978. It is a polyculture system that supports the diversity of beneficial species like in crop-livestock-agroforestry. There are no fixed methods in permaculture. It follows the principle of producing no waste mimicking the natural pattern of exchange and cycling of matter and energy wherein the output of one element is used as an input for another.
In a semi-arid landscape, local species that thrive under dry conditions can be planted. In cases of heavy rainfall areas, the crops which soak water are harvested. Thus, a permaculture farm is more sustainable in the face of climate change. That means Permaculture can be effective in harsh climatic conditions like that of Semi-arid regions.
Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
The practice of permaculture involves ecosystem-centric activities such as restoring the natural nutrient balance of land, ensuring healthy water levels and soil diversity, preventing soil salinity, generating abundance and diversity of food, and accounting for all inputs and outputs to build a self-sufficient ecosystem ultimately.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Permaculture systems, in contrast to monoculture, provide a rich tapestry of plant life that supports a variety of colours, textures, and flavours. This ensures a constant supply of food by reducing the susceptibility of a single crop failing. The interaction of various species creates a balanced habitat in which each component contributes, from providing shade to attracting beneficial insects.
Hence, statement 1 is correct.
These systems naturally require less labour for maintenance because of smart companion planting, mulching, and creative design. Mulching is a gardening technique that involves covering topsoil with plant material. This material can include leaves, grass, twigs, straw, wood chips, hay, or bark. It helps in preserving moisture, improving soil structure, preventing soil erosion, regulating soil temperature, and enhancing soil organisms.
Permaculture strengthens agricultural resilience by naturally controlling insect outbreaks and lowering the need for chem ical interventions.
By practicing permaculture farming, the aim is to rewild natural scapes to abundance, build landscape resilience, regenerate soil health, and grow food forests for communities who wish to be in harmony with nature while fulfilling their lifestyle needs.
Hence, statement 4 is correct.
Read: Previous Year UPSC Environment Questions (PYQs) With Explanation 2021