Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation?
- Reduction in weed
- Reduction in soil salinity
- Reduction in soil erosion
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the above is an advantage of practising drip irrigation
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- Drip irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation system that applies small amounts of water and fertilizer uniformly across a specific area.
- Benefits of drip Irrigation:
- Drip irrigation can be employed in all landscapes;
- Water losses can be reduced to a minimum;
- Soil erosion can be reduced to a minimum.
- Fertilizer and nutrients can be used with high efficiency;
- As water leaching is reduced, fertilizer/nutrient loss is minimized
- Weed growth is reduced as water and nutrients are supplied only to the cultivated plant.
- Disadvantages of Drip Irrigation
- The initial cost is high.
- May cause clogging if the water is not filtered correctly.
- Problems in moisture distribution.
- Increases soil Salinity.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.