Question:

Given below are two statements:

Statement (I): The capacitance method measures soil moisture content by analyzing changes in electrical capacitance, offering precise numerical readings due to its direct correlation with moisture levels.
Statement (II): The finger-licking method estimates soil moisture content based on tactile sensations, yielding subjective numerical values prone to individual interpretation biases.

In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

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Capacitance sensors are popular for precision irrigation because they respond immediately to changes in soil moisture and can be automated.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are false.
  • Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
  • Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation



Step 1: Understanding the Concept:

Soil moisture measurement techniques can be divided into quantitative physical methods (like capacitance-based electromagnetic sensors) and qualitative, empirical field estimation methods.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Statement (I) is true because capacitance sensors (such as frequency domain reflectometry probes) insert an electromagnetic field into the soil to determine its relative permittivity (dielectric constant).
Since the dielectric constant of water is much higher than that of soil minerals and air, changes in capacitance are directly correlated with volumetric soil water content, providing highly precise and continuous numerical outputs.
Statement (II) is true because traditional qualitative field methods (such as the feel-and-appearance or "finger-licking/touch" method) rely entirely on manual tactile sensations to estimate water percentages.
While practitioners use these tactile sensations to assign numerical estimation brackets, the values are highly subjective, uncalibrated, and prone to significant personal bias.
Thus, both statements accurately describe the characteristics of these respective approaches.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Hence, both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
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