Question

How do conservation tillage practices lead to agricultural sustainability?
a.
Conservation tillage practices reduce the amount of water required to grow crops.
b.
Conservation tillage practices help reduce soil erosion and maintain soil nutrient levels.
c.
Conservation tillage practices naturally protect crops from insect damage, reducing the need for pesticides.
d.
Conservation tillage practices reduce the amount of energy needed to produce crops.

Answer 1

Best answers: b and d.

- b (correct): Conservation tillage minimizes soil disturbance and keeps crop residues on the surface, which reduces soil erosion and helps maintain soil organic matter and nutrient levels.
- d (correct): Fewer tillage passes mean less fuel use and machine time, so conservation tillage reduces energy inputs.

Note: a is often partly true (residue cover improves moisture retention and can reduce irrigation needs), but that's a secondary/variable benefit. c is not generally true—reduced tillage can change pest dynamics but does not reliably provide natural protection from insects.