Final answer:
Lead in water is harmful for irrigation because it can contaminate the soil and plants, leading to health risks, but it does not cause salinization. Soil salinity is mainly due to the accumulation of other salts, affecting water uptake and plant health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement to correct is that lead present in water is harmful for irrigation as it causes salinization of soil. This statement is partially incorrect. Lead in irrigation water is certainly harmful, but not because it causes soil salinization.
The correct statement would be: 'Lead present in water is harmful for irrigation as it can lead to contamination of the soil and crops, causing health risks.' Lead accumulation in the environment can decrease growth and reproductive rates in plants and have neurological effects in vertebrates.
While soil salinity is a concern for farmers, it is primarily caused by the buildup of salts such as sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, not lead. Salts in the irrigation water can accumulate in the soil, making it saline.
This salinity can draw water out of plant roots, leading to cell shriveling and plant stress or death. Therefore, the salinity of irrigation water and soil is a critical factor that farmers must consider to avoid the adverse effects of salinization on crop productivity.