Which is not a likely outcome after extensive irrigation of dry farmland?
One of the outcomes that is not likely to occur after extensive irrigation of dry farmland is the formation of deserts. Irrigation involves the application of water to the soil to supplement rainfall and support crop growth. This process typically helps to improve soil moisture and stimulate plant growth in areas that are naturally dry or arid.
To understand why the formation of deserts is not a likely outcome, we can look at the main purpose of irrigation. By providing water to the crops, irrigation helps to meet their water requirements and allows them to thrive. This can lead to an increase in vegetation cover and root systems, which in turn helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
In contrast, desertification is a process characterized by the degradation of once-fertile land and the transformation into desert-like conditions. It occurs due to a combination of factors such as overgrazing, deforestation, and improper land management practices, which result in the depletion of soil moisture and the loss of vegetation cover.
Therefore, extensive irrigation of dry farmland is unlikely to lead to the formation of deserts. Instead, it offers a solution to support agricultural activities and mitigate the effects of aridity, contributing to improved crop yields and food production.