UPSC Prelims 2016 Question:

Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practicing drip irrigation?

1. Reduction in weed 
2. Reduction in soil salinity 
3. Reduction in soil erosion
   
   

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Explanation: 

Drip irrigation or trickle irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation system that has the potential to save water and nutrients by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either from above the soil surface or buried below the surface.

Advantages of Drip Irrigation:

• Maximum use of available water

• No water being available to weeds. Less weed growth and restricts population of potential hosts. So, point 1 is correct.

• Maximum crop yield

• High efficiency in the use of fertilizers

• Low labour and relatively low operation cost

• No soil erosion. So, point 3 is correct.

• Improved infiltration in soil of low intake.

• Ready adjustment to sophisticated automatic control.

• No runoff of fertilizers into groundwater.

• Less evaporation losses of water as compared to surface irrigation.

• Improves seed germination.

• Decreased tillage operations.

Disadvantages of Drip Irrigation:

In spite of the fact that drip irrigation has so many potential benefits , they’re a certain limitation also, there are as follow:

• • Sensitivity to clogging
  • Moisture distribution problem

• Salinity hazards. So, point 2 is not correct.

• High cost compared to furrow.
• High skill is required for design, install and operation.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: Geography | Agriculture and Allied Sectors