Draw four different methods of irrigation and explain them.
Answers
Answer:
The four methods of irrigation are:
- Surface.
- Sprinkler.
- Drip/trickle.
- Subsurface.
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.
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 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