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.
1 and 2 only
3 only
1 and 3 only
None of the above is an advantage of practising drip irrigation
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
Statement 2 is less definitively a *reduction* in soil salinity as a primary advantage, although it can help manage salinity better than other methods by reducing surface evaporation (which draws salt up) and allowing targeted leaching. However, in some contexts, if improperly managed, salts can accumulate at the edge of the wetting zone. Compared to flood irrigation which can cause waterlogging and widespread salinization, drip irrigation offers better control. But ‘reduction’ as a universal advantage might be debated.
Statement 3 is correct. Drip irrigation applies water slowly and directly to the soil surface or below, preventing surface runoff and water erosion, which are common with furrow or flood irrigation.
Considering the options provided, and that 1 and 3 are clearly and widely accepted advantages, Option C (1 and 3 only) is the most likely intended answer.