Irrigation is the artificial application of water to plants. Since humans began cultivating plants, it has been occurring. Historically, humans used buckets to water plants. This method of watering plants is still in use, but alternative techniques have also been developed. Some of these systems are commonly used in traditional ways, while others are modern irrigation techniques.
See also: Surface irrigation: A comprehensive guide
Traditional methods of irrigation
- Check basin method
- Furrow irrigation method
- Strip irrigation method
- Basin irrigation method
known about: about the What is canal irrigation and how does it work?
Modern methods of irrigation
- Sprinkler method
- Drip irrigation method
- Pot irrigation method
At the moment, there is not enough water everywhere. So, we should use irrigation methods that help solve the water shortage crisis by managing water in the right way.
Here, we will only talk about modern methods of irrigation.
Sprinkler irrigation method
It is the easiest and simplest way to water plants right now. In this method, pipes bring water from the source to the field. This method is used to keep the humidity up in places where water is scarce or where the temperature is high. It is most often used in sandy soils and places where the ground is not flat. With this method, irrigation efficiency could go up from 60% to 90%.
There are three different approaches to setting up this system.
- Permanent
- Semi-permanent
- Temporary
Pipes are often left in the ground for the duration of a permanent installation. These pipes are permanently fixed in place after installation. It’s possible that buried pipelines will be unharmed, but exposed ones could be damaged. In canal-irrigated regions, where water is only accessible intermittently, permanent installations are an option.
In a semi-permanent setup, the main pipelines are permanently buried while the branch pipelines are elevated, allowing the entire plot of land to be watered simply by moving the branch pipelines to new locations.
Temporary pipeline installations allow for the pipelines to be set in place and then moved should the need arise. Less money is needed to implement this strategy.
Some drawbacks exist, such as the high cost of this technology. Repeatedly switching the pipes can be harmful to the crops. It’s important to keep the water in the pipes clean so that they don’t corrode too quickly. While this approach does have a few drawbacks, it is becoming increasingly popular in areas where water is scarce.
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Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation, also referred to as trickling irrigation, is a novel type of irrigation system. This technique gained traction in areas with a water shortage after being developed in Israel. Irrigation of fruits and vegetables is a primary application of this technique. The technique works equally well on rocky or sandy ground. Drip irrigation involves applying water to a small region around a plant by means of nozzles attached to tubes. When compared to flooding, water savings could reach as high as 70%. In some cases, selective watering of crops may prevent the growth of weeds. Through the use of a fertiliser tank, pesticides and fertilisers can also be applied, resulting in fertiliser savings of 30–60%.
The term “drip irrigation” can refer to either of two distinct systems. There are two types of drip irrigation: surface and subsurface. It is more efficient to use water for subsurface drip irrigation than for surface drip irrigation. The surface layer has a short lifespan compared to the deeper layers. However, mechanical harvesting is made simpler in subsurface drip irrigation but not in surface drip irrigation.
This system has various drawbacks, such as a higher price tag. While technically feasible, this technology has its limitations because it is not appropriate for all crops, necessitates specialised knowledge, and may only provide plants with insufficient nutrients.
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Pot irrigation
The method of pot irrigation might be viewed as an alternative to the drip irrigation system. Its roots are in North Africa and Iran. This strategy works better in arid regions. This technique is utilised in areas with highly salinated soils where traditional flow irrigation would be ineffective.
Initially, pitchers are secured in the ground up to their necks using this method. All of this water is in these pitchers. These pitchers have holes drilled into them so that water can leak out and be applied to the soil nearby. Humidity around the pitcher is affected by a number of variables, though. It could be the soil, the size of the pitcher, or water seeping through the hole. The distribution of moisture is also influenced by the distance between the pitchers. As a general rule, you shouldn’t stack pitchers so closely together that their respective humid regions touch.
The method has several benefits, such as limiting watering to the immediate vicinity of the pitcher. Losses due to evaporation are reduced. Subsurface water seepage is low and stable. This approach is less complicated. Pitcher plants can stay in the ground for up to six years after they have been planted. This technique works well with edible plants and flowers.
The fact that it isn’t optimal for every crop is just one of the drawbacks. If the water in the pitchers isn’t clean, it can get stuck in the holes and cause a problem. Humidity only affects a small portion of the land.
How do modern irrigation systems conserve water?
Modern irrigation systems involve innovative techniques that help conserve water and increase water use efficiency. Automatic irrigation settings help reduce water supply use, thus enabling the conservation of resources while minimising the costs. For example, one can set daily or weekly watering in sprinkler and drip irrigation system. Watering can also be set for specific hours during day or night. It is automatically shut off when irrigation is complete. There is an automated mechanism to distribute water supply and cut down on costs as less water is utilised.
Modern methods of irrigation: Importance and benefits
- Agriculture and farming are dependent upon irrigation.
- First, it promotes plant growth and photosynthesis. The roots of plants absorb minerals and nutrients from the soil. These minerals dissolve in the soil’s water content. The water then transports these nutrients to all plant parts. Thus, it facilitates growth and photosynthesis.
- Secondly, it provides the moisture necessary for germination during the plant’s life cycle.
- Thirdly, it contributes moisture to the soil, which improves its fertility. Additionally, it makes the land easier to till.
- Finally, it increases the farm’s yield.
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How does modern irrigation technology improve crop yields?
Farmers looking to increase their crop yield need streamlined irrigation system. This helps in providing plants with optimum amount of water directly impacts the development of plants, thus increasing crop yields. Moreover, efficient irrigation is linked to weather forecasts. Technological advancements in weather forecasting enables farmers to plan and irrigate their fields in an accurate and efficient manner.
What are the differences between traditional and modern irrigation methods?
Traditional methods of irrigation are more time-consuming and involves extensive manual work. However, they are less expensive and lead less wastage of water. On the other hand, modern irrigation systems adopt latest techniques that help in lesser manual work and faster completion of the process. Another advantage of these modern systems is that they ensure conservation of water using better methods. However, these are more expensive compared to traditional irrigation methods.
FAQs
What are the three most common current irrigation techniques?
The three common irrigation methods are surface, sprinkler, and drip/micro.
What is the best way of irrigation?
Drip irrigation is the most water-efficient method for watering numerous types of plants.
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