Zero tillage is a practice that minimizes:

The correct answer is: c) Soil disturbance.

Zero tillage is a farming practice that minimizes soil disturbance by planting seeds directly into the soil without disturbing the previous crop residue. This helps to conserve soil moisture, reduce erosion, and improve crop yields.

Pesticide use is not necessarily minimized by zero tillage, as herbicides may still be needed to control weeds. However, fertilizer application can be reduced, as zero tillage helps to keep nutrients in the soil. Water use may also be reduced, as zero tillage helps to improve the infiltration of water into the soil.

Here is a brief explanation of each option:

• Option a: Pesticide use. Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill pests, such as insects, rodents, and weeds. Pesticide use can be harmful to the environment and to human health. Zero tillage does not necessarily minimize pesticide use, as herbicides may still be needed to control weeds. However, zero tillage can help to reduce the need for pesticides by reducing the number of weeds that grow.
• Option b: Fertilizer application. Fertilizers are chemicals that are used to add nutrients to the soil. Fertilizer application can be harmful to the environment if it is not done properly. Zero tillage can help to reduce the need for fertilizer application by keeping nutrients in the soil.
• Option c: Soil disturbance. Soil disturbance is the disruption of the soil structure by tillage or other activities. Soil disturbance can lead to erosion, loss of nutrients, and compaction. Zero tillage minimizes soil disturbance by planting seeds directly into the soil without disturbing the previous crop residue.
• Option d: Water use. Water use is the amount of water that is used for irrigation or other purposes. Water use can be harmful to the environment if it is not done properly. Zero tillage can help to reduce water use by improving the infiltration of water into the soil.