What is the primary purpose of tillage?
A. Increase soil erosion
B. Improve soil aeration & seedbed preparation
C. Reduce water retention
D. Kill all microorganisms
Answer (2)
The primary purpose of tillage is to improve soil aeration and seedbed preparation. This process helps to loosen compacted soil, allowing air and water to reach plant roots effectively. Additionally, it prepares an optimal environment for seed germination and growth.
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The primary purpose of tillage is (B) Improve soil aeration & seedbed preparation.
Tillage is an agricultural practice that involves the mechanical manipulation of soil to prepare it for planting crops. It plays a crucial role in farming by ensuring that seeds can be sown in an environment conducive to growth. This is achieved through several key processes:
Soil Aeration: Tillage loosens the soil, which improves air circulation within it. Aeration is vital because it supports root respiration and microbial activity, both of which are essential for healthy plant growth.
Seedbed Preparation: By breaking up compacted layers and creating a fine soil texture, tillage prepares an ideal bed for seeds. This enhances seed-soil contact, which is important for effective germination and emergence of seedlings.
Overall, tillage is a fundamental step in agricultural practices as it helps create optimal conditions for crop establishment and growth by enhancing soil structure, which in turn supports plant development. While other options like soil erosion (A) and water retention (C) are related aspects, they are managed differently through other agricultural practices rather than being the primary objectives of tillage.
