Cause of water stagnation on the surface of alkali soil is:

Correct option is A

✅ (a) Deflocculation: • In alkali (sodic) soils, high sodium content causes dispersion of clay particles (deflocculation). • This clogs soil pores, reducing infiltration and permeability, causing surface water stagnation. • Soil appears hard when dry and sticky when wet.
❌ (b) Aggregation: • It improves soil structure, opposite of deflocculation.
❌ (c) Flocculation: • Promotes particle clumping, improves water movement.
❌ (d) None of these: • Incorrect, as deflocculation is the cause.