Hey there !

(i) Irrigation has changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to the cultivation of water-intensive and commercial crops.

(ii) This has great ecological consequences. It leads to water-logging and consequent salinization of the soil.

(iii) This is the negative effect of irrigation. As rich farmers have better access to irrigation, they have earned more money due to the production of commercial crops.

(iv) On the other hand, the landless poor who could not avail of its benefits has become poorer.

(v)  Thus, irrigation has transformed the social landscape by increasing the social gap between rich landowners and the landless poor families.

Hope it helps you.

Introduction:
The change in cropping patterns has undoubtedly led to significant ecological consequences. These consequences can be observed in various aspects, including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, water scarcity, and increased use of chemical inputs. This response aims to explain these ecological consequences in detail.

Soil Erosion:
- Monoculture cropping, where a single crop is grown repeatedly in the same area, leads to soil erosion.
- The lack of crop rotation and diversity weakens the soil structure, making it more susceptible to erosion by wind and water.
- Without proper soil conservation practices, such as terracing or contour plowing, the top layer of fertile soil erodes, reducing the soil's productivity.

Loss of Biodiversity:
- Change in cropping patterns often involves the conversion of natural habitats into agricultural land.
- This leads to the loss of diverse plant and animal species that depend on these habitats for survival.
- Furthermore, monoculture cropping reduces the availability of food and shelter for wildlife, leading to a decline in biodiversity.

Water Scarcity:
- Certain crops require more water than others, and the shift towards water-intensive crops can increase water scarcity in regions already facing water stress.
- Moreover, inefficient irrigation practices in intensive cropping systems can result in the depletion of groundwater resources.
- Reduced water availability not only affects crop productivity but also impacts aquatic ecosystems and human communities relying on water sources.

Increased Use of Chemical Inputs:
- Change in cropping patterns often involves the adoption of high-yielding crop varieties that require large amounts of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
- Excessive use of these chemical inputs can lead to water pollution as they leach into groundwater or runoff into nearby water bodies.
- Chemical residues in the environment harm non-target organisms, disrupt ecological balance, and pose risks to human health.

Conclusion:
The change in cropping patterns has significant ecological consequences that must be carefully considered. Soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, water scarcity, and increased use of chemical inputs are some of the prominent effects. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and precision farming, can help mitigate these consequences and promote ecological balance.