Question

    With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements:

    1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity

    2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle

    3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    A 1 and 2 only Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B 3 only Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C 1 and 3 only Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect : Organic matter increases the water holding capacity of the soil. Sulphur cycle has both terrestrial as well as gaseous parts, Sulphur being stored as sulfates in soil. Statements 3 is correct : Irrigation over a long period of time can lead to salinization because irrigated water contains dissolved salts which get left behind when water evaporates. Over time, concentrations of those salts can reach levels that make it more difficult for plants to take up water from the soil.

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