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 questions.
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 questions.
  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 most likely due to salination, as indicated by the increase in electrical conductivity of the soil (ECe) over time. Salination occurs when irrigation water contains dissolved salts that accumulate in the soil over time, leading to a more negative soil water potential and reduced plant growth. The other answer choices are not supported by the data provided.

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