How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming? 1. Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant. 2. Conventional chemical farming can cause increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming. 3. Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions. 4. Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Permaculture farming is a sustainable agricultural system designed to be self-sufficient and regenerative, mimicking natural ecosystems. Conventional chemical farming, in contrast, relies heavily on external inputs like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Statement 1 is correct: Permaculture encourages biodiversity, polyculture, and integration of different elements to create a resilient system, thus discouraging monoculture. Conventional chemical farming, for efficiency and yield maximization, often heavily relies on monocultural practices. Statement 2 is correct: Conventional chemical farming, especially with excessive use of synthetic fertilizers and improper irrigation practices, can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, causing soil salinity. Permaculture focuses on building soil health through organic matter, mulching, and sustainable water management, which helps prevent soil salinization. Statement 3 is incorrect: Permaculture principles are specifically designed to adapt to and thrive in various climates, including semi-arid regions, by focusing on water harvesting, drought-resistant crops, and building soil organic matter to retain moisture. While initial establishment might require careful design, it is inherently aimed at long-term sustainability in such regions, whereas conventional chemical farming in semi-arid regions often requires intensive irrigation and chemical inputs, which can be unsustainable. Statement 4 is correct: Mulching (covering the soil with organic material) is a cornerstone of permaculture farming, as it conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, regulates soil temperature, and adds organic matter. In conventional chemical farming, tillage and herbicides are often preferred for weed control, making mulching less prevalent or not necessarily a core practice.