In west Texas,cotton has become an important crop in the last several decades.However,in this hot,dry part of the country there is little rainfall,so farmers irrigate their cotton fields.They must also regularly fertilize the cotton fields because the soil is very sandy.Figure 29.1 shows the record of annual productivity (measured in kilograms of cotton per hectare of land)since 1960 in a west Texas cotton field.Use these data to answer the following question(s).
Figure 29.1
-Based on the information provided in Figure 29.1,what is the most likely cause of the decline in productivity?

Question

In west Texas,cotton has become an important crop in the last several decades.However,in this hot,dry part of the country there is little rainfall,so farmers irrigate their cotton fields.They must also regularly fertilize the cotton fields because the soil is very sandy.Figure 29.1 shows the record of annual productivity (measured in kilograms of cotton per hectare of land)since 1960 in a west Texas cotton field.Use these data to answer the following question(s).
  Figure 29.1
-Based on the information provided in Figure 29.1,what is the most likely cause of the decline in productivity?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decline in productivity is likely due to salination of the soil. Over time, irrigation with chemically treated water can cause the buildup of salts in the soil, which can negatively affect plant growth and yield. This is supported by the decreasing trend in productivity over time, despite regular fertilization.

In West Texas,cotton Has Become an Important Crop in the Last