Final answer:
The soil management problem specifically associated with over-irrigation in hot, arid climates is salinization. It results from the accumulation of salts in the soil, which reduces land productivity and can make farmland less suitable for crop growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
A significant soil management problem associated with over-irrigation in hot, arid climates is salinization. This condition occurs because the small quantities of salts present in irrigation water accumulate in the soil over time. As the land continues to be irrigated, this problem can worsen, leading to a reduction in the soil's productivity. To alleviate this issue, the fields may need to be flooded with fresh water to dissolve and wash away the accumulated salts, a process which can be resource-intensive and may not always be feasible.
In hot, arid climates, salinization is more prevalent due to high evaporation rates that leave salts behind in the soil. The replacement of native deep-rooted plants with shallow-rooted crops in these areas can also contribute to a rise in the water table, bringing soil salts to the surface, and further exacerbating the salinization problem.
Another issue linked to agricultural practices, although not due to over-irrigation, is soil erosion. It can result from many factors, including wind and water erosion, particularly in improperly managed fields. However, salinization remains the primary concern directly related to over-irrigation in arid environments.