Consider the following: 1. Cover crops 2. Fertigation 3. Hydroponics 4. Mixed farming 5. Polyculture 6. Vertical farming Which of the above farming practices can be compatible with agroecology, as implied by the passage?

Passage

At the heart of agroecology is the idea that agroecosystems should mimic the biodiversity levels and functioning of natural ecosystems. Such agricultural mimics, like their natural models, can be productive, pest-resistant, nutrient conserving, and resilient to shocks and stresses. In ecosystems there is no 'waste', nutrients are recycled indefinitely. Agroecology aims at closing nutrient loops, i.e., returning all nutrients that come out of the soil back to the soil such as through application of farmyard manure. It also harnesses natural processes to control pests and build soil fertility i.e., through intercropping. Agroecological practices include integrating trees with livestock and crops.

Question

CSATEasyPrelims 2021Comprehension

Consider the following:

Cover crops
Fertigation
Hydroponics
Mixed farming
Polyculture
Vertical farming

Which of the above farming practices can be compatible with agroecology, as implied by the passage?

Explanation

Option A is correct: The passage mentions that the farming practices compatible with agroecology include the integration of trees with livestock and crops. This boils down to practices of Cover cropping, Mixed farming, and Polyculture.

Option B is incorrect: The farming practices of Fertigation and Hydroponics are artificial methods and are not compatible with agroecological systems mentioned in the passage. Hence, these can be eliminated.

Option C is incorrect: Applying based on the above argument, this option can be eliminated too.

Option D is incorrect: The passage mentions agroecology aiming at closing nutrient loops which means returning nutrients that come out of soil back to the soil. Vertical farming akin to hydroponics is soil-less farming and hence not compatible with agroecology.