UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 2
What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture?
- Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
- Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphate fertilizers is possible.
- Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
- Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C (1, 3 and 4 only)
Explanation: Fertigation delivers soluble nutrients with irrigation water, allowing water chemistry management and precise dosing; insoluble rock phosphate is not suitable for efficient fertigation.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Correct - Fertigation systems can manage irrigation-water chemistry and help adjust alkalinity.
2. Incorrect - Rock phosphate is poorly water-soluble; it is unsuitable for injection through standard fertigation equipment.
3. Correct - Precise application near roots improves nutrient availability and uptake.
4. Correct - Split targeted doses can reduce nutrient loss by leaching.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 2 (Rock phosphate is poorly water-soluble; it is unsuitable for injection through standard fertigation equipment); omits correct item 4 (Split targeted doses can reduce nutrient loss by leaching).
B. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 2 (Rock phosphate is poorly water-soluble; it is unsuitable for injection through standard fertigation equipment); omits correct item 3 (Precise application near roots improves nutrient availability and uptake).
C. Correct-includes all and only valid statements/items 1, 3, 4.
D. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 2 (Rock phosphate is poorly water-soluble; it is unsuitable for injection through standard fertigation equipment); omits correct item 1 (Fertigation systems can manage irrigation-water chemistry and help adjust alkalinity).