Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Surge irrigation is an automated, intermittent application of water to furrows or borders, alternating between "on" and "off" periods (cycles).
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement (I) Evaluation: Surge irrigation is a surface irrigation technique where water is released into furrows in a series of on-and-off pulses.
This cyclical delivery of water distinguishes it from continuous furrow irrigation. Thus, Statement (I) is correct.
- Statement (II) Evaluation: During the "off" periods of the cycle, water in the furrow infiltrates, causing the soil surface to seal and consolidate.
When water is turned back "on" in the next cycle, it encounters a smoother, less permeable surface, allowing it to advance much faster downslope.
This rapid advance reduces the time difference in water contact between the upstream and downstream ends of the furrow.
As a result, deep percolation losses at the upstream end are minimized, and tailwater runoff losses at the downstream end are significantly reduced. Thus, Statement (II) is correct.
Therefore, both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
Step 2: Final Answer:
The correct option is (A).