Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Traditional and micro-irrigation systems optimize crop water productivity in arid and semi-arid regions using localized subsurface moisture release.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Pitcher irrigation is an ancient, highly water-efficient traditional subsurface micro-irrigation technique.
Unglazed porous baked earthenware clay pots (pitchers) are buried neck-deep in the ground adjacent to crop saplings (such as vegetables or fruit trees) and filled with water.
Water seeps out through the porous clay walls by capillary suction generated by the surrounding dry soil, delivering moisture directly to the crop root zone with virtually zero evaporation or deep percolation losses.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, pitcher irrigation is used for Irrigation, corresponding to option (C).