Water is a component that is necessary for one’s continued existence. Water makes up around seventy percent of the human body, whereas plants comprise over ninety percent of their total mass as water. To satisfy the water demands of our bodies, however, we must continue to draw water from a variety of exogenous sources.
In a similar vein, the expansion and maturation of crops are both dependent on the presence of water. Irrigation is the term used to describe the process of giving water to crops. Proper irrigation is one of the most significant factors contributing to creating a suitable environment for Cobra plants. Visit to know more.
See also: about the What is canal irrigation and how does it work?
Irrigation: What is it?
Irrigation refers to the technique of applying water to crops in an artificial setting in order to satisfy the water requirements of the crops. Irrigation is another method that may be used to supply nutrients to crops. Wells, ponds, lakes, canals, tube wells, and dams are just a few of the many different sources of water that may be used for irrigation. Irrigation supplies the necessary moisture for growth and development, as well as germination and other activities associated with these processes.
Irrigation is done at varied frequencies, rates, amounts, and times of day depending not only on the crops that are being grown but also on the kinds of soil and the time of year. For instance, the amount of water that is required for summer crops is significantly more than the amount that is required for winter crops.
Also know about: irrigation modern
Types of Irrigation
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Increasing agricultural productivity may be accomplished through the application of a variety of irrigation methods. Various kinds of soil, climates, crop types and resource availability are taken into consideration while designing and implementing various kinds of irrigation systems. The following are the most common types of irrigation utilised by farmers:
Drip Irrigation Systems
In this method, very little amounts of water are dropped into the soil close to the plant’s roots. This kind of irrigation is not very common since it takes more upkeep than other methods. Also known as trickle irrigation, the drip irrigation system involves water dripping on the soil at a very less rate from a plastic pipes with a small diameter that are fitted with drippers.
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Sprinkler Irrigation
Sprinklers with high pressure that are hung from the ceiling or sprinklers that are mounted on movable platforms are used to spread water from a central place. This method of irrigation resembles that of natural rainfall. Using the method of pumping, water is distributed. This water is then sprayed in the air and it falls on the ground similar to rainfall.
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Centre Pivot Irrigation
A sprinkler system that moves in a circular pattern will do the job of distributing the water in this. Also known as water-wheel and circle irrigation small quantities of water are passed at frequent intervals to small area of crops using a pipe on wheeled towers moving in a round pattern that self-propel around a central pivot point.
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Furrow irrigation
One of the oldest methods of irrigation, this is known as surface irrigation. In this particular setup, there is no need for an irrigation pump. The force of gravity is used to disperse water throughout the landscape here. Farmers build small furrows or trenches and water is let to run from there to the crops providing them with all the required water.
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Terraced irrigation
This type of irrigation makes best use of shallow soil. Terraces are built as steps and water is directed through these to fall on the crops, helping in preventing soil erosion and growth of the crops. This is very common in the mountainous and hilly terrains where rice fields are watered using terrace irrigation.
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Other types of irrigation
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Irrigation on a local scale
In this method, water is distributed to each plant through a series of interconnected pipes at a relatively low pressure.
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Irrigation from below
In order to facilitate the distribution of water, the water table must first be raised using a network of pumping stations, gates, ditches, and canals.
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Irrigation done by hand
This type of irrigation requires a lot of manual labour and a significant amount of time. In this location, manual labourers use watering cans to disperse the water around the area.
Irrigation: Techniques
There are two distinct approaches that may be used to carry out irrigation:
- The conventional procedures
- Modern methods
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Irrigation techniques that have been used traditionally
The process of irrigation in this manner is done by hand. In this method, a farmer either draws water from wells or canals by hand or with the help of livestock and then transports it to his or her fields for use. Different parts of the world may use this strategy differently.
The fact that this approach is economical is the primary benefit offered by utilising it. The unequal distribution of water contributes to the low level of efficiency that it possesses. Additionally, there is a significant possibility that water will be lost.
The pulley system, the lever system, and the chain pump are some examples of classic types of systems. The pump system is the one that is used the most frequently and is the one that is the most common.
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Irrigation techniques in the modern era
The contemporary technique mitigates the drawbacks of the previous methods and, as a result, contributes to the efficient management of water resources.
The contemporary approach utilises two distinct systems:
- Sprinkler system
- Drip system
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Sprinkler system
A sprinkler system, as its name indicates, sprinkles water over the crop and helps ensure that it is distributed evenly. This is one of its primary functions. This approach is highly recommended for use in regions that are experiencing a shortage of water.
At this location, a pump is coupled to pipes in order to produce pressure, and water is sprayed through nozzles located on the pipes.
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Drip system
With a drip irrigation system, water is delivered to the plant’s roots in small amounts, one at a time, using a hose or pipe. This technology is also applicable in areas with limited access to water and can be utilised there
Also known about: surface irrigation
Irrigation: Significance
- Agriculture suffers when there is not enough rainfall or when there is not enough rainfall predictability. Low rainfall levels are a contributing factor in the occurrence of droughts and famines. Even in conditions of minimal rainfall, an improvement in productivity can be achieved by the use of irrigation.
- The productivity of irrigated land is significantly higher than that of land that is not watered.
- Because much of India has only one rainy season at a time, the country is unable to harvest more than one crop at a time. However, there is a growing season for every month of the year due to the climate. Because irrigation facilities are available in most parts of the nation, farmers are able to cultivate more than one crop at a time.
- The majority of the formerly uncultivated land has been brought into use by means of irrigation.
- The output and yield levels have been maintained at a stable level thanks to irrigation.
- Irrigation raises the amount of water that is readily available, which in turn raises the amount of money that the farmers make.
FAQs
What are the types of irrigation?
A sprinkler irrigation system, a surface irrigation system, a drip irrigation system, a sub-irrigation system, and a manual irrigation system are some of the types of irrigation available.
How is irrigation most commonly done?
Over 85% of the world's irrigated land is currently irrigated by surface irrigation
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