Question

“The pressure on agricultural land increases not only due to the limited availability, but also by deterioration of quality of agricultural land.” In the context of this statement read the following reasons carefully and choose the correct option.

I. Soil erosion and waterlogging.
II. Salinisation and alkalinisation of soil.
III. Rich land fertility and multiple cropping.
IV. Decline in land productivity.

• A. Only I, II and III are correct.
• B. Only I, II and IV are correct.
• C. Only I, III and IV are correct.
• D. Only II, III and IV are correct.

Hint:

Soil degradation is a major concern in agriculture. Factors like erosion, salinisation, and waterlogging significantly impact land productivity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The given statement highlights how the deterioration of agricultural land is contributing to increased pressure on agricultural productivity. Let's analyze the reasons provided: - Soil erosion and waterlogging: These are major contributors to the deterioration of agricultural land quality. Soil erosion removes the topsoil which is essential for plant growth, while waterlogging leads to reduced oxygen in the soil, affecting crop yields. Both contribute to the pressure on agricultural land.
- Salinisation and alkalinisation of soil: These processes involve the accumulation of salts or alkalis in the soil, which severely affects soil fertility and reduces its productivity. This is a major cause of soil degradation and increasing pressure on agricultural land.
- Rich land fertility and multiple cropping: Rich land fertility and multiple cropping are generally considered positive factors that support agricultural productivity, not factors leading to land deterioration. Therefore, this statement does not contribute to the given context.
- Decline in land productivity: This is the direct result of soil degradation caused by factors like erosion, waterlogging, salinisation, and poor farming practices. As the quality of land declines, so does its productivity. Thus, the correct option is (B) because statements I, II, and IV are valid reasons contributing to the pressure on agricultural land, whereas statement III is not.