After a fall in groundwater levels, engineers inspect a canal command area in central Punjab. Fig. 1 shows a field where repeated irrigation has left a pale...
Question 1 Report
After a fall in groundwater levels, engineers inspect a canal command area in central Punjab. Fig. 1 shows a field where repeated irrigation has left a pale crust and shallow water table. The farmer says wheat yields are falling despite using more water, so the extension officer must explain the change.
(a) Identify the soil problem labelled X. [1]
(b) Describe how the shallow water table contributes to this problem. [1]
(c) Explain three measures that could improve this land for agricultural development. [3]
Answer Details
(a) Salinisation/saline soil [1] (b) Water rises by capillary action and evaporates, leaving dissolved salts at the surface [1] (c) Any three: install/improve drains to lower water table [1]; flush salts through soil with controlled water supply [1]; line canals to reduce seepage [1]; use salt-tolerant crops [1]; apply gypsum where appropriate [1]; improve irrigation scheduling to avoid overwatering [1]. [3]
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
