A farmer in a semi-arid area claims that his farming practice is very environment friendly. Which of the following practices on his farm can justify his claim 1. Planning a tree belt. 2. Practising crop rotation. 3. Carrying out a large scale irrigation system 4. Using organic fertilizers. Select the correct answer using the code given below:?

Option 2 : 1, 2 and 4

The correct option is 2 i.e statements ​1, 2 and 4 are correct.

• Semi arid regions are the region which borders the deserts. It is also called as steppes type of climate.
  • The major threats to soils in these regions are soil erosion, salinity, and degradation due to human activities. Hence, tree belt planning and crop rotation is required to prevent erosion and maintain salinity and fertility of soil. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
  • Due to human activities there is decline in soil structure and a resultant loss of soil water storage and quality. So organic fertilizers are used to maintain the soil constituents balanced. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
  • Water is scarce in these regions. Therefore, for watering crops irrigation system is required. But instead of using extensive irrigation system, sustainable agriculture practices like drip irrigation would make it more environment friendly.
  • Use of large scale irrigation may lead to increased salinity of soil, and also more extraction of groundwater. Hence, Statement 3 is NOT correct.