Correct Option
The correct option is (a) 1 only.
Explanation
Preparation of the soil is the first step before growing a crop. One of the most important tasks in agriculture is to turn the soil and loosen it. During this process of ploughing, the soil may form large aggregates.Statement 1 is Correct: The ploughed field often contains big clumps of soil known as crumbs. These are large pieces of soil that result from the turning of the earth during ploughing.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: It is not beneficial to leave these crumbs unbroken. It is necessary to break these crumbs to ensure the field is level. A level field is essential for the uniform sowing of seeds and for the efficient distribution of water during irrigation.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Crumbs are broken using a plank (leveller). A seed drill is a different agricultural implement used specifically for sowing seeds at proper distances and depths, not for breaking soil clumps.
Key Takeaway: Crumbs are large soil clumps formed during ploughing that must be broken using a leveller (plank) to prepare a fine, flat seedbed suitable for sowing and irrigation.