Irrigation Methods

IRRIGATION
METHODS
BY SATHISH
What is Irrigation?
Irrigation is the process of applying water to the crops artificially to fulfil their water requirements.
Nutrients may also be provided to the crops through irrigation. The various sources of water for
irrigation are wells, ponds, lakes, canals, tube-wells and even dams. Irrigation offers moisture required
for growth and development, germination and other related functions.
The frequency, rate, amount and time of irrigation are different for different crops and also vary
according to the types of soil and seasons. For example, summer crops require a higher amount of
water as compared to winter crops.
Types of Irrigation
There are different types of irrigation practised for improving
crop yield. These types of irrigation systems are practised based
on the different types of soils, climates, crops and resources.
The main types of irrigation followed by farmers include:1
Surface Irrigation
In this system, no irrigation pump is involved. distributed Here
water is across the land by gravity.
Sub Irrigation
Water is distributed through a system of pumping gates, stations
ditches and canals by raising the water table.
Sprinkler Irrigation
Water is distributed from a central location by overhead high-
pressure sprinklers or from sprinklers from the moving platform.
Drip Irrigation
In this type, drops of water are delivered near the roots of the plants.
This type of irrigation is rarely used as it requires more
maintenance.
Methods of Irrigation
Irrigation can be carried out by two different methods:
•Traditional Methods
•Modern Methods
Traditional Methods of Irrigation
In this method, irrigation is done manually. Here, a farmer pulls out water from wells or canals
by himself or using cattle and carries to farming fields. This method can vary in different regions.
The main advantage of this method is that it is cheap. But its efficiency is poor because of the
uneven distribution of water. Also, the chances of water loss are very high.
Some examples of the traditional system are pulley system, lever system, chain pump. Among
these, the pump system is the most common and used widely.
Modern Methods of Irrigation
The modern method compensates the disadvantages of
traditional methods and thus helps in the proper way of
water usage.
The modern method involves two systems:
•Sprinkler system
•Drip system
Sprinkler System
A sprinkler system, as its name suggests, sprinkles water
over the crop and helps in an even distribution of water.
This method is much advisable in areas facing water
scarcity.
Here a pump is connected to pipes which generate
pressure and water is sprinkled through nozzles of pipes.
Drip System
In the drip system, water supply is done drop by drop
exactly at roots using a hose or pipe. This method can also
be used in regions where water availability is less.
Importance of Irrigation
The importance of irrigation can be explained in the following
points:
1.Insufficient and uncertain rainfall adversely affects agriculture.
Droughts and famines are caused due to low rainfall. Irrigation
helps to increase productivity even in low rainfall.
2.The productivity on irrigated land is higher as compared to the
un-irrigated land.
3.Multiple cropping is not possible in India because the rainy
season is specific in most of the regions. However, the climate
supports cultivation throughout the year. Irrigation facilities make it
possible to grow more than one crop in most of the areas of the
country.
4.Irrigation has helped to bring most of the fallow land under
cultivation.
5.Irrigation has stabilized the output and yield levels.
6.Irrigation increases the availability of water supply, which in turn
increases the income of the farmers.
Irrigation should be optimum because even over-irrigation can spoil
the crop production. Excess water leads to waterlogging, hinder
germination, increased salt concentration and uprooting because
roots can’t withstand standing water. Thus the proper method is to
be used for the best cultivation.

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IRRIGATION

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