With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements : 1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity. 2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle. 3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Statement 3 is correct because excessive irrigation, especially in arid regions with poor drainage, triggers capillary action that brings underground salts to the surface, leading to salinization. Statement 1 is fundamentally incorrect because organic matter acts like a sponge, significantly increasing rather than reducing a soil's water-holding capacity. The core concept tested is the physical and chemical properties of soil, specifically how agricultural practices and organic components influence soil health and nutrient cycling.