What is irrigation?describe two methods of irrigation which conserve water
Answers
Explanation:
Supply of water to crops at appropriate intervals is called irrigation. The time and frequency of irrigation varies according to different seasons, crops, and soil types.
Two methods of irrigation which help in conservation of water are:
†’ Sprinkler system: This system is more useful on uneven land, having fewer water supplies. In this method, water is supplied using pipes to one or more central locations within the field. When water is allowed to flow under high pressure with the help of a pump, it gets sprinkled on the crops.
†’ Drip system: In this system, water is delivered at or near the roots of plants, drop by drop. This is the most efficient method of irrigation as there is no wastage of water at all. This method is important in areas where water availability is poor.
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 soiland seasons. For example, summer crops require a higher amount of water as compared to winter crops.
Drip Irrigation
The irrigation in which the water goes drop by drop directly into the roots. This is a type of micro-irrigation system in which water is allowed to drip slowly to the roots of plants either from above the soil surface or to the roots that is buried below the surface. Thus this process of watering plants minimizes evaporation of water. Hence this method is very useful as it conserves the water and also prevents us from irrigating the weeds.
Sprinkler Irrigation
This method is used mainly in uneven land where sufficient water is not available. The perpendicular pipes, having rotating nozzles on top, are joined to the main pipeline at regular intervals. When water is allowed to flow through the main pipe under pressure with the help of a pump, it escapes from the rotating nozzles. An irrigation sprinkler is used as a device for this type of irrigation. It is also used for cooling and for the control of airborne dust. Thus water from a sprinkler gets sprinkled on the crop as if it is raining.