Which risk significantly reduces productivity when irrigating pre-Columbian chinampas (floating gardens) with heavily alkaline diverted river water?

💡 Explanation

When irrigating with consistently alkaline water, capillary action and evaporation cause sodium and other salts to accumulate near the surface, a process known as salinization, inhibiting root water uptake. Therefore, salt accumulation is the primary risk, rather than leaching, waterlogging, or pathogens which represent different soil and water conditions.

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