How do humans grow crops on land that would naturally be either too dry or too wet ? Explain
Irrigate the dry lands and drain the wet lands.
Humans can grow crops on land that is naturally too dry or too wet by employing various agricultural techniques and technologies. Let's explore each scenario:
1. Dry Land:
To cultivate crops in areas with low rainfall or dry conditions, farmers use a combination of water conservation methods and drought-tolerant crop species. Here's how they do it:
a. Irrigation: Farmers can divert water from nearby rivers, lakes, or underground sources through canals, pipes, or pumps to supply water to their fields. This ensures that crops receive sufficient water, even in arid regions. Techniques like drip irrigation, where water is delivered directly to the roots of the plants, help conserve water and reduce wastage.
b. Soil Conservation: In dryland farming, preventing water evaporation from the soil is crucial. Farmers use techniques such as mulching (covering the soil with organic material), contour plowing (creating ridges to trap moisture), and terracing (creating flat steps on slopes) to help retain water in the soil.
c. Crop Selection: Farmers choose crops that are naturally well-adapted to arid conditions or have a higher tolerance for drought. These crops are often called drought-resistant or xerophytes. Examples include cactus, succulents, millets, and certain varieties of wheat and maize.
2. Wet Land:
To grow crops in wet or waterlogged areas, farmers implement strategies that drain excess water and modify the land condition. Here's how they handle it:
a. Drainage Systems: Farmers construct drainage systems, such as ditches, canals, and drainage pipes, to remove excess water from the fields. These systems allow the excess water to flow away and prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to most crops.
b. Raised Beds: To raise crops above the water level, farmers create raised beds or mounds of soil. These elevated beds provide an area where crops can grow above the saturated ground, enhancing drainage and preventing root rot.
c. Wetland Crops: Some crops naturally thrive in waterlogged conditions, referred to as hydrophytes. Farmers selectively cultivate these crops that are adapted to survive and grow with excess water. Examples include rice, water chestnuts, lotus, and various aquatic vegetables.
In both scenarios, technological advancements in agriculture, such as hydroponics (soilless farming) and aeroponics (growing plants in mist environments), provide additional solutions to grow crops efficiently regardless of the conditions.
Overall, adapting agricultural practices to the specific conditions and utilizing water management techniques and suitable crop choices allow humans to overcome challenges posed by excessively dry or wet land.