Describe briefly the various types of irrigation?
Answers
There are many types of irrigation, and farmers choose which one to use based on the environment they are farming in. Let's go over the most common methods.
The first type is surface irrigation, which uses gravity to distribute water over the field. Water flows from an area of higher elevation downhill to reach all the crops. Unless the land is naturally sloped, this form can be very labor intensive. A classic example of surface irrigation can be found in the rice paddies in East Asia, where land is dug into terraces and water flows from the top to the bottom, watering each plot of land.
Localized irrigation uses a system of tubes to pump water throughout the field. This form includes drip irrigation, which delivers water droplets directly to the roots of plants.
You probably are familiar with sprinklers, either from running through them as a child or using them to water a lawn. Sprinkler irrigation involves a system of pressurized tubes that expel water onto crops. Variations include rotary irrigation in which the sprinkler system whirls around, applying the water in a circular motion.
The central pivot is another type of irrigation that uses sprinklers. Just like when you pivot a car, or turn while on foot, these sprinklers change directions to water the entire field. The sprinklers are mounted on mechanical tracks that move them in a circular motion as they spray water on the crops.