Resource Conservation Technologies include: A) Zero or Minimum Tillage B) Direct Seeding C) Bed planting with residue mulch

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (A) All A, B and C

Explanation:
• Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs) aim to enhance the efficiency of input use (water, fuel, labor, nutrients) while preserving the natural resource base.
• Zero or Minimum Tillage (A): Minimizes soil disturbance, preserving soil structure and organic matter while reducing fuel consumption.
• Direct Seeding (B): Particularly in rice (DSR), this avoids the water-heavy puddling and transplanting process, saving up to 30% of irrigation water.
• Bed planting with residue mulch (C): Planting on raised beds improves drainage and water use efficiency, while mulch (retained crop residue) reduces evaporation and suppresses weeds.
• Together, these practices form the core of "Conservation Agriculture."

Information Booster:
• RCTs are essential for the sustainability of the Indo-Gangetic plains where groundwater depletion is a major concern.
• Use of a 'Happy Seeder' is a prominent RCT tool that allows sowing wheat directly into standing rice stubble.
• RCTs significantly reduce the carbon footprint of farming by sequestering soil carbon and reducing tractor runs.

Additional Knowledge:
• Brown Manuring: Another RCT where a green manure crop like Sesbania is grown and killed by herbicides to serve as mulch.
• Laser Land Leveling: Often considered a precursor RCT because it ensures uniform water application and saves roughly 20% of water.