Question

Which of the following describes a pro and a con of spray irrigation? A) Decreases groundwater but adds salts to the soil. B) Uses less water but is more expensive for the farmer.

Answer 1

PRO - B

CON - A

Spray irrigation uses less water but can be more expensive for farmers and may lead to soil salinization and groundwater depletion.

Step-by-step explanation:

When discussing irrigation techniques, spray irrigation is one that comes with its pros and cons. A significant advantage of spray irrigation is that it generally uses less water than traditional flood irrigation methods, which could lead to improved water conservation. However, a disadvantage is that it can be more expensive for farmers due to the need for specialized equipment and the potential for higher operating costs.

One concern associated with extensive use of spray irrigation is the buildup of salts in the soil, a process known as salinization. Salinization can diminish land productivity and requires fresh water to flush the salts from the soil, which can exacerbate water scarcity issues. Groundwater depletion is another concern, often leading to the need for deeper, costlier wells, and can contribute to problems such as saltwater intrusion and land subsidence.

Answer 2

Option B) 'Uses less water but is more expensive for the farmer' describes a pro and a con of spray irrigation, with the pro being water efficiency and the con being higher costs. Salinization can occur as a con, leading to decreased soil productivity due to salt buildup.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question focuses on evaluating the pros and cons of spray irrigation as it pertains to agricultural practices. One pro of spray irrigation is that it uses less water compared to other methods like flood irrigation, thus being more efficient in water usage. A con is the potential for adding salts to the soil, also known as salinization, which is a common problem in arid climates due to the buildup of small quantities of salt in the water. As a result of salinization, land productivity may decrease since higher salt levels in the soil can harm plant life and reduce crop yields. To remedy this, additional fresh water is needed to flush out the salts.

Regarding spray irrigation, option B) Uses less water but is more expensive for the farmer describes a pro and a con associated with this method. With the use of groundwater and its removal, there are various effects on the environment and agricultural fields. Removing groundwater may cause increased salts in the soil, declining soil productivity, and may also contribute to issues like desertification and water scarcity.