Commercial agriculture in dry climates relies heavily on irrigation. Which of the following best explains an environmental concern that results from irrigation in arid regions?The high use of water for agriculture increases the price of water for people in urban areas.Option A,The high use of water for agriculture increases the price of water for people in urban areas.The soil will have increased salinity, leading to soil erosion and reduced nutrients in the soil for plant health.Option B,The soil will have increased salinity, leading to soil erosion and reduced nutrients in the soil for plant health.The increased production that results from irrigation of the crop will lead to decreases in crop prices as the total crop harvested will be higher.Option C,The increased production that results from irrigation of the crop will lead to decreases in crop prices as the total crop harvested will be higher.The plants grown in this dry region will start to adapt to use less water, but the period to maturity will increase.Option D,The plants grown in this dry region will start to adapt to use less water, but the period to maturity will increase.The decisions about how much water each landowner can use may become more difficult and a cause of conflict between urban and rural people.

1 answer

The best explanation for an environmental concern resulting from irrigation in arid regions is Option B: "The soil will have increased salinity, leading to soil erosion and reduced nutrients in the soil for plant health."

This option highlights a significant consequence of irrigation practices in dry climates, where the accumulation of salts from evaporation can lead to soil salinization, negatively affecting soil health and agricultural productivity.