UPSC Prelims 2011·GS1·geography·ecology and environment

Salinization occurs when the irrigation water accumulated in the soil evaporates, leaving behind salts and minerals. What are the effects of salinization on the irrigated land?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AIt greatly increases the crop production
  2. BIt makes some soils impermeableCorrect
  3. CIt raises the water table
  4. DIt fills the air spaces in the soil with water

Explanation

Salinization leads to the accumulation of salts like sodium on the soil surface and within its layers. High levels of sodium cause soil particles to disperse, which destroys the soil structure and creates a hard, compacted layer. This process significantly reduces the porosity of the soil, making it increasingly impermeable to water and air. While high water tables can cause salinization, it is the accumulation of salts itself that directly leads to the loss of permeability in the soil. Therefore, option B is the most accurate consequence of salinization on irrigated land.
geography: Salinization occurs when the irrigation water accumulated in the soil evaporates, leaving behind salts and minerals. Wha
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