High School

## Section B: Crop Production and Management (Questions 11-20)

**11. Assertion (A):** Soil preparation is the first step in crop production.
**Reason (R):** Soil preparation helps in proper germination of seeds and growth of plants.

**12. Assertion (A):** Seed drill method is better than broadcasting.
**Reason (R):** Seed drill method places seeds at proper depth and distance, saving seeds and giving better yield.

**13. Assertion (A):** Irrigation is essential for crop production.
**Reason (R):** Plants need water for photosynthesis and transportation of nutrients.

**14. Assertion (A):** Loamy soil is best for growing crops.
**Reason (R):** Loamy soil has good water holding capacity and proper aeration.

**15. Assertion (A):** Nitrogen is essential for plant growth.
**Reason (R):** Nitrogen helps in the formation of chlorophyll and promotes leaf growth.

**16. Assertion (A):** Organic manures are better than chemical fertilizers.
**Reason (R):** Organic manures improve soil texture and provide nutrients slowly.

**17. Assertion (A):** Weeding is important in crop production.
**Reason (R):** Weeds compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

**18. Assertion (A):** Rice is a Kharif crop.
**Reason (R):** Rice requires a lot of water and is grown during the rainy season.

**19. Assertion (A):** Proper storage of grains is necessary.
**Reason (R):** Improper storage leads to attack by insects, rodents, and microorganisms.

**20. Assertion (A):** Modern agricultural practices have increased crop production.
**Reason (R):** Use of high-yielding varieties, fertilizers, and machinery has improved productivity.

Answer :

Here is a detailed explanation of each of the assertions and reasons presented in your questions:

11. Soil Preparation

  • Assertion (A): Soil preparation is the first step in crop production.
  • Reason (R): Soil preparation helps in proper germination of seeds and growth of plants.

Soil preparation involves plowing, leveling, and enriching the soil with nutrients. This process improves soil texture, ensures better water retention, and provides a favorable environment for seeds to germinate and grow into healthy plants.

12. Seed Drill vs. Broadcasting

  • Assertion (A): Seed drill method is better than broadcasting.
  • Reason (R): Seed drill method places seeds at proper depth and distance, saving seeds and giving better yield.

The seed drill method allows precise planting, ensuring seeds are at the right depth and spaced evenly. This increases seed utilization efficiency and crop yield as plants have adequate space and nutrients to grow.

13. Irrigation

  • Assertion (A): Irrigation is essential for crop production.
  • Reason (R): Plants need water for photosynthesis and transportation of nutrients.

Irrigation provides plants with the necessary water supply, which is crucial for photosynthesis, the process through which plants produce food. It also aids in nutrient transportation within the plant.

14. Loamy Soil

  • Assertion (A): Loamy soil is best for growing crops.
  • Reason (R): Loamy soil has good water holding capacity and proper aeration.

Loamy soil possesses an optimal balance of sand, silt, and clay, which provides excellent drainage and aeration, promoting healthy root growth and better crop productivity.

15. Nitrogen

  • Assertion (A): Nitrogen is essential for plant growth.
  • Reason (R): Nitrogen helps in the formation of chlorophyll and promotes leaf growth.

Nitrogen is a critical nutrient for plants as it is a major component of chlorophyll, which plants use in photosynthesis. It is also vital for the growth of leaves and overall development.

16. Organic Manures vs. Chemical Fertilizers

  • Assertion (A): Organic manures are better than chemical fertilizers.
  • Reason (R): Organic manures improve soil texture and provide nutrients slowly.

Organic manures improve the soil's structure and fertility over time. They release nutrients gradually, providing long-term benefits unlike chemical fertilizers, which can degrade soil health over time.

17. Weeding

  • Assertion (A): Weeding is important in crop production.
  • Reason (R): Weeds compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

Weeding involves removing unwanted plants that compete with crops for essential resources, such as nutrients, water, and light, which can negatively affect crop yields.

18. Rice as a Kharif Crop

  • Assertion (A): Rice is a Kharif crop.
  • Reason (R): Rice requires a lot of water and is grown during the rainy season.

Rice is grown as a Kharif crop, meaning it is sown with the onset of monsoons and harvested at the end of the rainy season. It needs a significant amount of water to grow, making the monsoon season ideal.

19. Proper Storage of Grains

  • Assertion (A): Proper storage of grains is necessary.
  • Reason (R): Improper storage leads to attack by insects, rodents, and microorganisms.

Proper storage techniques are crucial to protect harvested grains from pests and environmental conditions, which can lead to spoilage and significant economic losses.

20. Modern Agricultural Practices

  • Assertion (A): Modern agricultural practices have increased crop production.
  • Reason (R): Use of high-yielding varieties, fertilizers, and machinery has improved productivity.

Modern practices use high-yielding crop varieties, advanced machinery, and fertilizers to increase agricultural output, efficiency, and sustainability. These advancements have significantly boosted productivity and food security.