Which problem often compromised the long-term operation of mature Mesopotamian earthen irrigation canals?

💡 Explanation

When irrigation is practiced repeatedly in arid climates, capillary action draws dissolved salts to the surface, where evaporation causes them to accumulate, leading to soil salinization. Therefore, long-term soil salinization resulted, rather than weed blockage, sedimentation, or livestock damage which are more immediate concerns.

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