What is the primary purpose of irrigation in agriculture?

The primary purpose of irrigation in agriculture is to supply water to crops. Adequate water is essential for plant growth as it is involved in crucial processes such as photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and maintaining turgor pressure within plant cells. Without a reliable water source, crops can become stressed, leading to reduced yields and poor quality.

Irrigation systems, whether they are drip, sprinkler, or surface types, enable farmers to deliver water directly to the plants to ensure they receive the necessary amount, particularly in regions where natural rainfall is insufficient or unpredictable. This practice helps to optimize crop production and maintain the health of the plants throughout their growth cycle. The other options do not reflect the primary intention of irrigation and focus instead on unrelated agricultural practices or conditions. For instance, while removing excess soil nutrients might be necessary in some contexts, it is not a function of irrigation; rather, it could involve other agricultural techniques such as soil amendments or crop rotation.