Askiitians Tutor Team
Last Activity: 4 Months ago
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to soil or land in order to assist in the growth of crops, plants, and vegetation. It is a vital agricultural practice, especially in areas where natural rainfall is insufficient to meet the water needs of crops. Irrigation helps ensure consistent plant growth and improved crop yield by providing the necessary moisture required for proper development.
Various methods of irrigation are employed to deliver water to crops effectively. Some of the common methods include:
Surface Irrigation:
Furrow Irrigation: Water is directed into shallow channels (furrows) along the crop rows. It flows through the furrows, infiltrates the soil, and reaches the plant roots.
Basin Irrigation: Water is applied to level basins surrounded by low borders. This method is suitable for crops like rice where standing water is needed.
Border Irrigation: Similar to basin irrigation, water is applied to long, narrow strips of land (borders) with raised edges. It's often used for crops with furrow-irrigated fields.
Localized Irrigation:
Drip Irrigation: In this method, water is delivered directly to the plant roots through a network of pipes, tubes, and emitters. It is highly efficient and reduces water wastage.
Sprinkler Irrigation: Water is sprayed over the crops in the form of droplets resembling rainfall. Various types of sprinklers are used, such as center pivot, lateral move, and stationary systems.
Subsurface Irrigation:
Subsurface Drip Irrigation: Similar to drip irrigation, water is delivered directly to the plant roots, but the system is buried beneath the soil surface. It minimizes water evaporation and reduces weed growth.
Two methods of irrigation that are designed to conserve water are:
Drip Irrigation:
Drip irrigation is a water-conserving method as it delivers water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation and reducing water wastage. It's efficient in terms of water usage because it targets the specific areas where water is needed. By reducing water contact with the leaves and soil surface, it also helps prevent the spread of certain plant diseases and discourages weed growth. Additionally, drip systems can be equipped with timers and sensors to optimize watering schedules based on factors like soil moisture and weather conditions.
Subsurface Drip Irrigation:
Subsurface drip irrigation takes water conservation a step further by placing the irrigation system below the soil surface. This method further minimizes evaporation losses and reduces the potential for water runoff. It's particularly useful in areas with high evaporation rates and where water availability is limited. The system delivers water directly to the root zone, promoting efficient plant growth while using water more sparingly.
Both these methods focus on delivering water precisely where it's needed, minimizing losses due to evaporation, runoff, and inefficient distribution. This conservation-oriented approach helps maximize agricultural productivity while using water resources efficiently.