Correct answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
- A
1 and 2 only
Option (a) is 1 and 2 only. Reduced or zero tillage does conserve soil moisture, but applying gypsum is a sodic-soil amendment (calcium) rather than a water-conservation practice as such. Statement 2 is not a water-saving method in the sense of the question. This option is not the key.
- B
3 only
Option (b) is 3 only. Residue mulch does help, but zero tillage also conserves water, so omitting statement 1 is incomplete. This option is therefore wrong.
- C
1 and 3 only
Reduced/zero tillage cuts evaporation and runoff; leaving crop residue as mulch shades soil and improves infiltration. Gypsum before irrigation is not listed as a water-conservation technique. Hence 1 and 3 only is the official key.
- D
1, 2 and 3
Option (d) is 1, 2 and 3. Including gypsum as a water-conservation measure is the error. This option is not the key.
Summary. Official key is (c) 1 and 3 only. Conservation agriculture saves water by less tillage and by residue cover. Gypsum is used to reclaim alkali/sodic soils and improve structure; it is not itself a method of saving irrigation water in the question’s sense. Statements 1 and 3 help; 2 does not. Only that pair is correct.
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