NCERT Class 8 Geography — Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

mcqeasy

In dry regions with high rates of evaporation, which irrigation method is described as "very useful"?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ASprinklers
BDrip or trickle irrigation
CCanal irrigation
DTerrace farming

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b)

Explanation

Irrigation methods vary in efficiency depending on climatic conditions. In arid and semi-arid regions characterized by high temperatures and high evaporation rates, water conservation is critical. The choice of irrigation aims to minimize water loss during application.

Analysis of Options:

(a) Sprinklers: While more efficient than flood irrigation, sprinkler systems still spray water into the air. In regions with very high evaporation rates or strong winds, a significant amount of water is lost before it reaches the soil or plant roots.
(b) Drip or trickle irrigation: This method delivers water directly to the base of the plant (root zone) through a network of pipes and emitters. By avoiding surface runoff and minimizing the surface area of water exposed to the air, it drastically reduces evaporation losses. It is scientifically considered the most efficient irrigation method for dry regions.
(c) Canal irrigation: This method involves transporting water through open channels. In dry regions, this leads to substantial water loss due to evaporation and seepage. Furthermore, excessive canal irrigation in arid zones can lead to soil salinization due to capillary action.
(d) Terrace farming: This is a soil conservation practice used on hill slopes to prevent erosion and manage runoff. It is a method of land preparation rather than a specific technique for applying irrigation water in dry, flat regions.

Key Takeaway:
Drip irrigation is the most water-efficient method for dry regions because it delivers water directly to the root zone, thereby minimizing losses due to evaporation and seepage.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

Consider the following statements regarding the distribution of population and land resources: 1. Ninety per cent of the world’s population occupies only thirty per cent of the land area. 2. Areas with steep slopes and rugged topography are generally densely populated. 3. Plains and river valleys are densely populated due to suitability for agriculture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following factors are considered "Physical Factors" determining land use? 1. Topography 2. Population 3. Soil 4. Technology 5. Minerals Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

With reference to 'Common Property Resources', consider the following statements: 1. Common Property Resources refer exclusively to land owned by private individuals. 2. Community lands are also known as Common Property Resources. 3. Encroachment on these lands is observed primarily to expand agricultural land in urban areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

Which of the following are cited as major threats to the environment resulting from the expansion of agriculture and construction activities? 1. Land degradation 2. Landslides 3. Soil erosion 4. Desertification Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

Consider the following methods for the conservation of land resources: 1. Deforestation 2. Land reclamation 3. Regulated use of chemical pesticides 4. Checks on overgrazing Which of the methods given above are to check land degradation?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 8 Geography chapters

The correct option is (b)

Explanation

Analysis of Options:

(a) Sprinklers: While more efficient than flood irrigation, sprinkler systems still spray water into the air. In regions with very high evaporation rates or strong winds, a significant amount of water is lost before it reaches the soil or plant roots.
(b) Drip or trickle irrigation: This method delivers water directly to the base of the plant (root zone) through a network of pipes and emitters. By avoiding surface runoff and minimizing the surface area of water exposed to the air, it drastically reduces evaporation losses. It is scientifically considered the most efficient irrigation method for dry regions.
(c) Canal irrigation: This method involves transporting water through open channels. In dry regions, this leads to substantial water loss due to evaporation and seepage. Furthermore, excessive canal irrigation in arid zones can lead to soil salinization due to capillary action.
(d) Terrace farming: This is a soil conservation practice used on hill slopes to prevent erosion and manage runoff. It is a method of land preparation rather than a specific technique for applying irrigation water in dry, flat regions.

Key Takeaway:
Drip irrigation is the most water-efficient method for dry regions because it delivers water directly to the root zone, thereby minimizing losses due to evaporation and seepage.