Question

In 2003, Alan used a new type of pesticides in order to increase the net yield of his crops. Because of these new pesticides, the net yield of his crops doubled which made him really happy and he decided to continue which these pesticides. For next four years, the yield of his crops increased consistently compared to the previous years. In 2008, the yield of his crops decreased exponentially, which caused severe financial problems for Alan. Which of the following statements explains the reason for the drop in net yield this year?

• A. Significant and consistent increases in the net yield of the crops from previous years eventually lead to the exhaustion of essential nutrients from the soil.
• B. Alan was diagnosed with diabetes in 2006 and he didn't put in equally good effort this time to increase the yields.
• C. Other farms also started using the same pesticides which led to a decreased efficiency of these pesticides.
• D. As a result of economic recession, the market size for the crops which Alan's farm produced shrank significantly.
• E. The region where Alan's farm was located experienced a historic drought two years ago which led to decreased overall yield.

Hint:

Environmental factors such as droughts can have long-term impacts on crop yields, even after the event has passed.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: Understanding the situation.
Alan's crop yield increased consistently for several years but dropped suddenly in 2008. The question asks for an explanation for this drop.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Significant and consistent increases in the net yield of the crops from previous years eventually lead to the exhaustion of essential nutrients from the soil: While this is a possible explanation, the statement suggests a sudden drop, which may not be solely due to nutrient exhaustion.
- (B) Alan was diagnosed with diabetes in 2006 and didn't put in equally good effort this time to increase the yields: While this may be true, it is not the most plausible explanation for the sudden drop in yield.
- (C) Other farms also started using the same pesticides which led to a decreased efficiency of these pesticides: This could explain a gradual decrease, but it doesn't fully explain the sudden drop in 2008.
- (D) As a result of economic recession, the market size for the crops which Alan's farm produced shrank significantly: This is not the most likely explanation as it doesn't directly address the cause of the crop yield decrease.
- (E) The region where Alan's farm was located experienced a historic drought two years ago which led to decreased overall yield: This is the most plausible explanation because drought would have a lasting impact on crop yield, even years later.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Option (E) is correct because a drought two years ago would directly explain the drop in yield in 2008, even though Alan continued using the same pesticides.