Critical Reasoning

Which of the following most logically completes the argument?

A new machine for harvesting corn will allow rows to be planted only fifteen inches apart, instead of the usual thirty inches. Corn planted this closely will produce lower yields per plant. Nevertheless, the new machine will allow corn growers to double their profits per acre because __________.

(A) with the closer spacing of the rows, the growing corn plants will quickly form a dense canopy of leaves, which will, by shading the ground, minimize the need for costly weed control and irrigation
(B) with the closer spacing of the rows, corn plants will be forced to grow taller because of increased competition for sunlight from neighboring corn plants
(C) with the larger number of plants growing per acre, more fertilizer will be required
(D) with the spacing between rows cut by half, the number of plants grown per acre will almost double
(E) with the closer spacing of the rows, the acreage on which corn is planted will be utilized much more intensively than it was before, requiring more frequent fallow years in which corn fields are left unplanted

The answer is A.

We're looking at the answer which would avoid some high costs and help in making profits. A is the only choice which signifies that adopting the new m/c will enable profits.

Its not C/D/E
It is either A/B as both provides some add on to corn tree quality.
I get a feeling it may be A because growing taller may not negate yield issue but protection of soil would.

Answer should be D.

It says production will be doubled .. which translates into increase in revenue..

B: I think plants can not grow taller because of less sunlight.
C: Out of context
D: Its already rejected in the question with "Corn planted this closely will produce lower yields per plant"
E: requiring more frequent fallow years will reduce the overall gains

So Answer IMO is A.

oa a

Can someone please tell how A will lead to double the profits as argument says...

"the new machine will allow corn growers to double their profits per acre "..

i am able to understand A will lead to increase in profits....but how it will lead to double...can someone please tell ?

HI MOHIT

THERE ARE ONLY TWO OPTIONS THAT CAN COMPETE

D OR A

D IS REJECTED BECAUSE ARG ALREDY SAYS THAT YIELD PER PLANT DEACREASE. SO, ON DOUBLING THE ACRAGE PRODUCTION, THE PROFITS WOULD REMAIN SOME LOWER THAN THE DOUBLE PROFIT.

THAN ONLY A LEFTS AS OTHERS ARE WRONG.