What are potential consequences of inadequate irrigation management?

Inadequate irrigation management can lead to significant issues such as crop stress and reduced yields. When crops do not receive the optimal amount of water, they can suffer from drought stress, which adversely affects growth and productivity. Insufficient or excessive water can lead to nutrient leaching or other soil quality deterioration, ultimately lowering crop outputs.

Moreover, poor irrigation practices can also increase the cost of production. This can occur through the need for additional inputs, such as fertilizers to compensate for nutrient loss or even the expense of addressing crop failures and lower yields. Farmers may find themselves needing to invest more to manage the consequences of ineffective water management, which can strain financial resources.

In contrast, increased crop variety, enhanced soil structure, or better water distribution would typically indicate effective irrigation management rather than its absence. Effective management practices are aimed at optimizing water resources, improving plant health, and fostering better yields while minimizing costs. Hence, option B best encapsulates the negative impacts of inadequate irrigation management.