Final answer:
The answer to the question is A) True; irrigation enables crop production in arid regions, transforming dry lands into productive farmlands. While irrigation can greatly increase agricultural output, it can also lead to environmental issues such as salinization and soil degradation if not managed properly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Irrigation indeed leads to crop production in normally arid places, so the correct answer to the student's question is A) True. In arid regions such as parts of California and Arizona, extensive irrigation systems—including dams, canals, and pumping facilities—enable farmers to transform dry lands into highly productive farmlands. These irrigation practices have allowed the Great Central Valley in California to become one of the greatest irrigated farmlands in the world. However, some regions experience problems such as soil erosion and salinization due to improper irrigation practices, impacting long-term soil health and productivity.
As agricultural technology has advanced, so too has the ability for a single farmer to work more land, leading to increased production and decreased costs of food for society. Yet, the advancement in agriculture is not without its environmental consequences, as it can lead to various forms of land degradation if not managed carefully.