3. What is irrigation? Describe different ways in which irrigation happens in India.
Answers
Irrigation - It is the distribution of water equally in a crop field, In order to Provide the plants it's nutrition for growth. In simple terms, It is the process of watering the fields. The method of irrigation can be artificial or natural. ... This method reduces the wastage of water.
i) Traditional Method In our country traditional systems of irrigation like,
- pulley system (moat)
- chain pump and
- lever system (rahat) have been used for centuries to lift water from water reservoirs and supply it to the field for irrigation.
These methods are cheaper but not much efficient.
ii) Modern Methods
a. Furrow irrigation: In this method water is allowed to enter the field through channels of furrows made between two rows of crop. e.g., sugar cane, banana, paddy, etc.
b. Basin irrigation: In this method the field is just filled with water. e.g. Paddy field.
c. Sprinkler irrigation: This irrigation is used where the soil cannot retain water for a long time. Here the water is sprinkled by sprinklers. e.g. Lawn
d. Drip irrigation: In this irrigation the water falls drop by drop directly at the position of the roots, so it is called drip irrigation. It is the best method to save water. It helps to irrigate grapes, banana, brinjal, etc.
Answer:
Water is an essential element for survival. About seventy per cent of the human body consists of water; plants contain almost 90 per cent of water. Still, we have to depend on some outside sources to fulfil the water requirements of our body.
Similarly, the crops require water for their growth and development. The process of supplying water to the crops is known as irrigation.
Table of Contents
Irrigation
Types
Surface Irrigation
Localized Irrigation
Sprinkler Irrigation
Drip Irrigation
Centre Pivot Irrigation
Sub Irrigation
Manual Irrigation
Methods
Traditional Methods
Modern Methods
Sprinkler System
Drip System
Importance
What is Irrigation?
Irrigation is the process of applying water to the crops artificially to fulfil their water requirements. Nutrients may also be applied 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.
Water moistens the soil and thus helps in penetration of roots even into the dry field. 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 rate of water as compared to winter crops.
Let us have a look at different types of irrigation and the methods used for irrigation.
Also Read: Modern Methods of irrigation
Irrigation
The Irrigation Canal
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:
Surface Irrigation
In this system, no irrigation pump is involved. Here, water is distributed across the land by gravity.
Localized Irrigation
In this system, water is applied to each plant through a network of pipes under low pressure.
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 and
Centre Pivot Irrigation
In this, the water is distributed by a sprinkler system moving in a circular pattern.
Sub Irrigation
Water is distributed through a system of pumping stations gates, ditches and canals by raising the water table.
Manual Irrigation
This a labour intensive and time-consuming system of irrigation. Here, the water is distributed through watering cans by manual labour.
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 traditional system are pulley system, lever system, chain pump and dhekli. 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 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.
Also Read: Traditional Methods of Irrigation
Importance of Irrigation
The importance of irrigation can be explained in the following points:
Insufficient and uncertain rainfall adversely affects agriculture. Droughts and famines are caused due to low productivity. Irrigation helps to increase productivity even in low rainfall.
The productivity on irrigated land is higher as compared to the un-irrigated land.
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.
Irrigation has helped to bring most of the fallow land under cultivation.
Irrigation has stabilized the output and yield levels.
Irrigation increases the availability of water supply, which in turn increases the income of the farmers.
Explanation:
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