SUBHAM IRRIGATION
SUBHAM IRRIGATION
IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Sessions: - 2024-25
Panchayat College Bargarh
Sambalpur University, Burla
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
PANCHAYAT DEGREE COLLEGE, BARGARH
SIGNATURE
DECLARATION
❖ What is irrigation ?
❖ Benefits of irrigation
❖ Challenges of irrigation
❖ Conclusion
❖ References
What is irrigation ?
Irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops or plants at regular
intervals to promote their growth, particularly in areas where natural rainfall
is insufficient. The method chosen for irrigation depends on various factors,
such as the type of crop, the region’s climate, soil conditions, and the
availability of water resources. Over the centuries, humans have developed
several irrigation techniques to meet the demands of agriculture, ranging from
ancient systems to modern, highly-efficient methods.
Irrigation is the process of artificially applying water to soil or land to assist
in the growth of crops. This practice has been fundamental to agriculture for
thousands of years, particularly in regions where rainfall is insufficient or
inconsistent. As the world’s population grows and the effects of climate change
become more pronounced, the demand for water-efficient and sustainable
irrigation methods has risen. Irrigation not only ensures that crops receive the
necessary amount of water but also helps maintain soil moisture and fertility,
thereby promoting higher agricultural yields.
Benefits of Irrigation
• Increased Crop Yields: Irrigation ensures that plants get the required
amount of water, especially during dry periods.
• Farming Flexibility: It allows farming in areas with insufficient rainfall and
enables multiple cropping seasons.
• Improved Plant Growth: Plants receive consistent moisture, promoting
healthier growth and better-quality crops.
• Water Conservation: Modern systems like drip irrigation use water more
efficiently, conserving valuable water resources.
Challenges of Irrigation
• Water Waste: If not managed properly, some irrigation systems (like flood
irrigation) can waste water through runoff and evaporation.
• Soil Salinization: Excessive irrigation without proper drainage can lead to
the buildup of salts in the soil, harming crop growth.
Types of irrigation method:-
Surface irrigation:
Surface irrigation is one of the
oldest and most widely used methods
of irrigation, where water is applied
directly to the soil surface and allowed
to flow over the field by gravity. This
method is suitable for a variety of
crops, especially when the land is flat or gently sloping. It is typically
employed in large-scale farming and can be adapted to different soil
types and crop needs.
Advantages:
Low Initial Investment:
Surface irrigation systems generally have lower initial installation costs
compared to other methods like drip or sprinkler irrigation.
Simple to Operate:
It is relatively easy to operate and maintain, especially in areas where
other irrigation technologies may be too costly or complex.
Disadvantages:
Water Wastage:
Water can be lost due to runoff, deep percolation, or evaporation,
leading to inefficiency in water use, particularly if the land is not
properly leveled.
Drip irrigation:-
Drip irrigation is a modern, highly efficient method of irrigation that
delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, drop by drop. This
system minimizes water wastage and optimizes water use by ensuring
that the water goes straight to the plant's roots, reducing evaporation
and runoff.
Components
1. Water source: A water source, such as a well or municipal water supply, is
required for drip irrigation.
2. Pump: A pump is used to pressurize the water and deliver it to the drip
irrigation system.
3. Filter: A filter is used to remove debris and sediment from the water to prevent
clogging the drip irrigation system.
4. Tubing: Tubing, typically made of polyethylene or PVC, is used to distribute
water throughout the drip irrigation system.
5. Drip emitters: Drip emitters, also known as drippers, are devices that release
water into the soil at a controlled rate.
6. End caps: End caps are used to seal
the ends of the tubing to prevent water
from escaping.
Advantages:
- Water conservation
- Increased crop yields
- Reduced soil erosion
Disadvantages:
- Higher initial cost compared to traditional irrigation systems
- Requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance
- Can be affected by soil type and topography
Furrow irrigation :-
Furrow irrigation is a type of surface irrigation where water is applied to the soil
through narrow channels or furrows, typically 1-3 feet deep and 2-4 feet wide.
Here are some key aspects of furrow irrigation:
Advantages
1. Low initial cost: Furrow irrigation has a lower initial cost compared to other
irrigation methods, such as drip or sprinkler irrigation.
2. Easy to install: Furrow irrigation systems are relatively simple to install and
require minimal equipment.
Disadvantages
1. Labor-intensive: Furrow irrigation requires manual labor to open and close the
furrows, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
2 .Nutrient leaching: Furrow irrigation can cause nutrient leaching, especially if
the water flow is too high or the soil is not properly prepared.
Border irrigation:-
Border irrigation is a type of surface irrigation method in which water is applied
to fields divided into long, level strips or "borders." These borders are separated
by low ridges or dikes to prevent water from flowing across the entire field. Water
is then introduced at the top of the border, and gravity allows it to flow across
the field, soaking the soil and reaching the crops’ root zones. This irrigation
method is suitable for crops like wheat, rice, and other field crops and is
commonly used in regions with flat terrain.
3. Border strip slope: The slope of the border strip should be gentle to prevent
erosion and ensure uniform water distribution.
4. Turnouts: Turnouts are used to distribute water along the border strip.
Advantages:
- Water conservation
- Increased crop yields
- Reduced soil erosion
- Flexibility
Disadvantages
- Requires careful design and installation
- Can be labor-intensive
- May require additional equipment, such as turnouts and water control
structures.
Importance of irrigation method :-
Irrigation is a critical practice in agriculture that ensures crops receive
sufficient water for growth, especially in regions where natural rainfall is
unreliable, insufficient, or inconsistent. The importance of irrigation methods
extends beyond just providing water to crops. Here’s why irrigation methods are
essential:
In areas where rainfall can be intense, irrigation methods like drip irrigation
and flood irrigation can help control soil erosion. For instance, in flood irrigation,
water is directed carefully to avoid fast-moving water, which can wash away soil.
Conclusion :-
Irrigation is a critical component of modern agriculture, and various irrigation
methods are used to optimize water use and crop yields. The four irrigation
methods discussed - drip irrigation, furrow irrigation, and border irrigation - each
have their advantages and disadvantages.
REFERENCES:-
• Jump up to:a b WHO (2006). WHO Guidelines for the Safe Use
of Wastewater, Excreta and Greywater – Volume IV: Excreta
and greywater use in agriculture. World Health Organization
(WHO), Geneva, Switzerland