Question

farmers use various methods of irrigation on crops. which of the following statements correctly pairs an irrigation method with an advantage or disadvantage?
a drip irrigation is readily used in large - scale farming because of the low cost associated with this method.
b flood irrigation is often used in agricultural fields, however, it increases surface erosion and salinization of the soil.
c furrow irrigation is a method in which farmers plant two different types of crops in alternating strips which increases productivity.
d spray irrigation loses the least amount of water to evaporation.

Explanation:

• Option A: Drip irrigation has high initial - setup costs (pipes, emitters etc.), so it is not readily used in large - scale farming due to low cost.
• Option B: Flood irrigation involves flooding the field. The flowing water can cause surface erosion. Also, as water evaporates, salts (if present in water) get left behind, leading to salinization.
• Option C: Furrow irrigation is about creating furrows (small channels) between crop rows for water flow, not about planting two different crops in alternating strips. Inter - cropping (planting two different crops in alternating strips) is a different concept.
• Option D: Drip irrigation loses the least amount of water to evaporation as water is delivered directly to the root zone, while spray irrigation sprays water into the air, and a significant amount can evaporate.

Answer:

B. Flood irrigation is often used in agricultural fields, however, it increases surface erosion and salinization of the soil.