Question

Mention some problems caused by over-irrigation in India.

Answer 1

Problems caused by over-irrigation include:

1. Waterlogging: Excessive irrigation saturates the soil, raising the water table and reducing oxygen availability for plant roots. This hampers crop growth and may lead to plant death.
2. Salinization: In arid and semi-arid areas, evaporation of over-irrigated water leaves salts on the soil surface, making the land infertile over time.
3. Soil Degradation: Over-irrigation alters soil structure and composition, reducing its productivity.
4. Spread of Waterborne Diseases: Stagnant water due to waterlogging can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to diseases like malaria and dengue.