Q. Consider the following statements:

1. Intensive cultivation with excessive use of irrigation can make alluvial soil as saline.
2. Excessive irrigation with dry climatic conditions reduces capillary action.
3. Gypsum is added in saline soil to make it cultivable.

Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer: Only 1 and 3
Notes: In the areas of intensive cultivation with excessive use of irrigation, especially in areas of green revolution, the fertile alluvial soils are becoming saline. Excessive irrigation with dry climatic conditions promotes capillary action, which results in the deposition of salt on the top layer of the soil. In such areas, especially in Punjab and Haryana, farmers are advised to add gypsum to solve the problem of salinity in the soil.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.