The Three Major Types of Agriculture Irrigation Systems
- Home
- /
- Irrigation
- /
- The Three Major Types of Agriculture Irrigation Sy
Irrigation is the process of applying water to the soil or an agricultural land artificially. It is the process of replacing or supplementing rainwater with water from another source. It’s used in dry climates and when there’s a lack of rain. Irrigation systems are designed to aid in the growth of agricultural crops and plants by using the least amount of water possible, reducing weed growth in grain fields, preventing soil consolidation, and so on.
The various forms of agricultural irrigation systems each have their own set of benefits and drawbacks, and some are better suited to certain crops than others. Learn about irrigation strategies for fruit trees and row crops, as well as drip irrigation for vineyards and how to get the most out of your water.
Sprinkler Irrigation
This approach involves spraying water into the air and allowing it to fall on the ground surface in a manner similar to rainfall. Water under pressure is forced through small orifices or nozzles to create the spray. Sprinkler irrigation is an excellent method for watering on uneven land and shallow soils.
Except for rice, jute, and other crops, almost all crops are suited for sprinkler irrigation systems. Dry crops, vegetables, flowering crops, orchards, and plantation crops such as tea and coffee are all appropriate for sprinkler irrigation.
Merits
Adaptable to all soil types except heavy clay. Conserves water. Increased output. Land is saved since no bunds or other barriers are necessary. Sprinkler irrigation is likely the most cost-effective technique to irrigate a large area, such as a farm with thousands of plants to water.
Demerits
Sprinkler irrigation systems are the most expensive to install when it comes to the initial setup. The overall cost decreases once it is up and running, but the initial investment may be substantial. The major disadvantage of sprinkler irrigation is that the spray can be scattered by the wind, resulting in uneven watering. This may be a small annoyance at times, but if you live in a really windy place, it can become a significant concern.
Surface Irrigation
Water is distributed over and across land by gravity, without the use of a mechanical pump. Surface irrigation takes several modes, but all rely on gravity and the land’s shape to “flood” the soil. Simply put, water is thrown onto the ground, and the land naturally distributes it throughout the soil.
For fruit trees, surface irrigation with basins is the most popular approach, whereas for row crops, surface irrigation with furrows is the most common way. Surface irrigation is currently the most widely utilised type of irrigation system for agriculture, accounting for 85 percent of all irrigated area on the planet.
Merits
The main benefit of surface irrigation is that it takes the least amount of capital and little to no technical expertise. On sloping fields, it is also the most energy-efficient way because no electrical pumps or factory-made sections and parts are required. Surface irrigation is a time-honoured irrigation method that has been improved by modern technology. Surface irrigation is for you if you want something with a lot of variation and doesn’t require complicated equipment to work.
Demerits
To make surface irrigation operate well, you must adapt the terrain, whether by building water channels or relying on gravity to do its work. Surface irrigation effectiveness may be harmed by unanticipated changes or disturbances in your field. Surface irrigation may send too much water into your crops, drowning the roots and defeating the purpose. You must be careful not to overwater your plants with your surface irrigation system.
Drip Irrigation
Water is delivered near the plant root via emitters or drippers, on or below the soil surface, at a low rate ranging from 2 to 20 litres per hour, in drip irrigation. With frequent irrigation, the soil moisture is preserved at an optimal level. Drip irrigation is the most efficient of all irrigation methods and may be used on a variety of crops such as vegetables, orchard crops, flowers, and plantation crops.
Merits
Because of the localised application and decreased leaching, fertiliser and nutrient loss is minimised. It is not essential to level the field. Non-potable water that has been recycled can be used. The efficiency of water application improves. Weed growth and soil erosion are reduced. It also prevents illnesses from spreading between plants because the water is delivered directly to each one. If liquid fertilisers are used on the crop, they can be blended into the irrigation water at the proper ratios and delivered directly to the soil.
Demerits
If not installed properly, the initial cost can be higher and can result in blockage, waste of water, time, and harvest. The cost of installation can be weighed against the long-term savings in time and water to determine the break-even point of installing such a system. The method should pay for itself quickly if the irrigated area is big and water is scarce.
Choose Irrigation Systems That Fit Your Needs
Regardless of what type of irrigation system you choose for your property, you’ll need the right place to buy the emitter and fittings. GAJANAND has all the necessary technological equipment that you need for your irrigation system.