UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2020

What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture? 1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible. 2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible. 3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible. 4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 1, 2 and 4 only
  3. 1, 3 and 4 only
  4. 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer

Correct Answer

1, 3 and 4 only

Explanation

Fertigation (fertiliser application through irrigation water) lets acidic fertilisers control the pH or alkalinity of the water, improves nutrient availability, and reduces leaching. Rock phosphate and many phosphatic fertilisers are poorly soluble and are not suitable for it, so statement 2 is wrong.

Topics: agriculture & soil management, environment & ecology, fertigation - advantages, irrigation & fertiliser use