Question

Irrigation is likely to be used, where the water supply is ample and the market value of the crop is low

• A. Drip irrigation
• B. Check basin irrigation
• C. Wild flooding
• D. Sprinkler irrigation

Hint:

High-cost systems (drip/sprinkler) $\rightarrow$ Used for high-value crops with limited water.
Low-cost, inefficient systems (wild flooding) $\rightarrow$ Used when water is cheap and abundant, and crop value is low.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The choice of an irrigation method depends on water availability, soil type, topography, and crop economics.
High-cost pressurized irrigation systems require a financial return to offset capital and operational costs, whereas low-cost methods are used for lower-value crops when water is cheap and abundant.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the economics and requirements of the listed irrigation systems:
1. Drip and Sprinkler irrigation: Are pressurized systems with high initial capital costs for pipes, pumps, filters, and emitters.
These systems are economically viable for high-value horticultural or cash crops where water savings and yield improvements justify the investment.
2. Check basin irrigation: Requires land grading and the construction of dikes or levees, involving moderate labor and machinery costs.
3. Wild flooding: Is a surface irrigation method where water is directed onto a field without constructed guide banks or basins, letting it flow freely across the terrain.
It is highly inefficient, leading to water loss from deep percolation and runoff.
However, it requires no specialized equipment, minimal land preparation, and little labor.
This method is used where water is abundant and inexpensive, and where the crop has a low market value that cannot support the cost of pressurized or graded gravity systems.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The irrigation method used when water supply is ample and crop market value is low is Wild flooding, which corresponds to Option (C).