All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Present a brief note on the types of mulches and their role in soil moisture conservation.

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2025 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (25-May-2025)

Mulching involves covering the soil surface with organic or inorganic materials to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.

Types of mulches:

Organic mulches: Crop residues, straw, leaves, sawdust, and green manures. These decompose, adding organic matter and nutrients.

Inorganic mulches: Plastic films, polythene sheets, and gravel. They are durable and effective in moisture conservation.

Living mulches: Cover crops like cowpea or clover that protect the soil while enriching fertility.

Role in soil moisture conservation:

Reduce evaporation losses by shielding soil from direct sun and wind.

Improve infiltration and minimize runoff.

Maintain favorable soil temperature for root activity.

Suppress weeds that compete for water.

Enhance microbial activity under organic mulches.

Mulching is thus a vital practice in rainfed and horticultural systems.

Answered By:

Sakshi Negi

Sakshi Negi is a Delhi-based journalist and content specialist with expertise in educational content and digital media, focusing particularly on government exam preparation and career guidance. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from NRAI School of Mass Communication and her background as a Kendriya Vidyalaya alumna, she brings unique insights into the Indian education system and government sector opportunities.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Classify natural resources. Discuss the natural resource management with reference to ecological conservation.

  2. Differentiate between cropping system and cropping pattern, and describe the principles of cropping system.

  3. Differentiate between agrisilviculture and agrisilvipasture system. Give suitable examples of component crops.

  4. Elucidate different forest policies and their aims. 

  5. Explain weed control efficiency (WCE). Work out WCE from the given data and offer your critical comment :

  6. Enumerate the impact of climate change with reference to agricultural production. Present the opinion of public on climate change.

  7. Write down the agronomic measures for climate-resilient crop production in rainfed areas.

  8. Write a brief note on the major soils of India. 

  9. List out the cereal- and millet-based cropping systems practised in India based on soil type and irrigation availability.

  10. Discuss the production technology of rainfed cotton crop under the following heads : 
    (i) Climate and soil requirement 
    (ii) Methods of sowing and seed rate 
    (iii) Manures and fertilizers 
    (iv) Inter-culture operations 
    (v) Plant protection


Important Questions from Miscellaneous

  1. How will you manage a case of misplaced copper-T (Cu-T)? 

  2. Describe the embryogenesis, clinical features and principles of management of cleft palate.

  3. Write short notes in 150 words:
    Metagenesis

  4. Write short notes in 150 words:
    Book lungs

  5. Write short notes in 150 words:
    Paedomorphosis

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
UPSC IFoS
November 22, 2026
UPSC SO Steno
December 12, 2026
Test Series
IAS img
UPSC
UPSC CSE (IAS) 2027 Prelims Mock Test Series
662 Tests 3 Tests Free
1703 Attempts
4.8(203)
English, Hindi
More Questions from IAS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App