How can crop stress be identified in relation to irrigation?

Identifying crop stress in relation to irrigation is crucial for managing water efficiently and ensuring healthy plant growth. Observing wilting, discoloration, or stunted growth in plants provides direct visual indicators of stress caused by insufficient water supply or poor irrigation practices. When crops do not receive adequate moisture, they may exhibit signs like wilting, where leaves droop and lose turgor pressure, or discoloration, often turning yellow as the plant struggles to photosynthesize due to inadequate water. Stunted growth indicates that the plant is not receiving the necessary hydration to support its development, which can impact yield.

The other options do not directly indicate crop stress related to irrigation. Higher-than-normal growth rates could suggest adequate water supply rather than stress. Measuring soil temperature can provide information on soil health but does not directly relate to the immediate symptoms of crop stress. Determining the amount of light received pertains more to the energy available for photosynthesis rather than water availability, which is essential for plant health. Thus, checking for visible signs like wilting, discoloration, and stunted growth is the most reliable method to identify crop stress linked to irrigation issues.