Question

Given below are two statements: Assertion (A): Soil water is the most predominant and limiting factor for crop production. The goal of a soil-water-plant continuum is to maintain the soil water between field capacity and wilting point. Reason (R): Most of the plants withdraw water from the soils until soil moisture pressure reaches about 15 bars.

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
• C. A is correct but R is not correct
• D. A is not correct but R is correct

Hint:

Available soil water lies between field capacity and permanent wilting point.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
Crop production depends strongly on availability of soil water in the root zone.

Step 1: Check Assertion.
Soil water is a major limiting factor for crop growth. The useful water range for plants lies between field capacity and permanent wilting point. \[ A \text{ is correct} \]

Step 2: Check Reason.
Most plants can extract water until soil moisture tension reaches about 15 bars. This point is known as the permanent wilting point. \[ R \text{ is correct} \]

Step 3: Check explanation.
The reason explains why soil water should be maintained between field capacity and wilting point. \[ R \text{ correctly explains } A \] \[ \therefore \text{Correct Answer is (A)} \]