2016 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2016 · GS Paper I

Question 83: Geography

Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation?

  1. 1.Reduction in weed
  2. 2.Reduction in soil salinity
  3. 3.Reduction in soil erosion

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a1 and 2 only
b3 only
c1 and 3 only
dNone of the above is an advantage of practising drip irrigation

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

Drip irrigation delivers water drop by drop to the root zone. The soil between rows stays dry, so fewer weeds grow, and because water is not flooded or sprayed over the surface there is much less runoff and soil erosion. It does not reduce soil salinity: little water is applied, so salts are not flushed out and can build up at the edge of the wetted zone.

  • 1. Only the plant's root zone is wetted, so weeds grow less.
  • 2. Small applications do not flush salts, which can accumulate.
  • 3. No surface flooding means less runoff and less erosion.
Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Reduced salinity is not an advantage of drip irrigation.
  • (b) Reduced weeds are also an advantage.
  • (c) Right: fewer weeds and less soil erosion are advantages.
  • (d) Fewer weeds and less erosion are advantages.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.