IRRIGATION METHODS
In general water from reservoir or rivers is conveyed by a system of canals namely main canal,
branch canal, major and minor distributaries. Finally, the irrigation water is brought to the fields by
water courses or field channels which are constructed and maintained by cultivators. Later, the
problem is, in what way the water is applied to the fields economically and efficiently for maximum
crop production to get more benefits. This can be achieved b adopting some scientific methods. But
it should be remembered that water cannot be applied by the same method to all types of fields.
Because the following are some reasons:
1. Soil formation may not be the same.
2. Topographical features of the land may vary.
3. Method of water supply may be different.
4. Crops to be grown may not be the same.
5. Customary habits in the land may be different.
Irrigation water can be applied to the fields by four different methods. They are
1. Surface irrigation
2. Sub-surface irrigation
3. Sprinkler irrigation or overhead irrigation
4. Drip irrigation
1. Surface irrigation:
In surface irrigation methods, the irrigation water is applied by spreading it over the surface
of the land to be irrigated. Different quantities of water are allowed on the fields at different
times according to the crop requirements.
2. Sub-surface irrigation:
In sub-surface irrigation methods, water is applied below the ground surface hence it is
supplied directly to the rootzone of the plants. In this method evaporation losses are
considerably reduced and the hindrance caused to cultivation due to the presence of
borders, checks, pipes and fields channels in other methods of irrigation is eliminated.
3. Sprinkler irrigation:
In the sprinkler irrigation method, the irrigation water applied to the land in the form of
spray just like rainfall. This method mainly consists of a system of pipeline network with
sprinkler heads which will supply the water to the crops in the form of natural rainfall.
4. Drip irrigation:
In this method of irrigation, water is applied in the form of drops directly near the base of
the plant. Water is conveyed through a system of flexible pipelines, operating at low
pressure and is supplied to the plants through drip nozzles.
In general water from reservoir or rivers is conveyed by a system of canals namely main canal,
branch canal, major and minor distributaries. Finally, the irrigation water is brought to the fields by
water courses or field channels which are constructed and maintained by cultivators. Later, the
problem is, in what way the water is applied to the fields economically and efficiently for maximum
crop production to get more benefits. This can be achieved b adopting some scientific methods. But
it should be remembered that water cannot be applied by the same method to all types of fields.
Because the following are some reasons:
1. Soil formation may not be the same.
2. Topographical features of the land may vary.
3. Method of water supply may be different.
4. Crops to be grown may not be the same.
5. Customary habits in the land may be different.
Irrigation water can be applied to the fields by four different methods. They are
1. Surface irrigation
2. Sub-surface irrigation
3. Sprinkler irrigation or overhead irrigation
4. Drip irrigation
1. Surface irrigation:
In surface irrigation methods, the irrigation water is applied by spreading it over the surface
of the land to be irrigated. Different quantities of water are allowed on the fields at different
times according to the crop requirements.
2. Sub-surface irrigation:
In sub-surface irrigation methods, water is applied below the ground surface hence it is
supplied directly to the rootzone of the plants. In this method evaporation losses are
considerably reduced and the hindrance caused to cultivation due to the presence of
borders, checks, pipes and fields channels in other methods of irrigation is eliminated.
3. Sprinkler irrigation:
In the sprinkler irrigation method, the irrigation water applied to the land in the form of
spray just like rainfall. This method mainly consists of a system of pipeline network with
sprinkler heads which will supply the water to the crops in the form of natural rainfall.
4. Drip irrigation:
In this method of irrigation, water is applied in the form of drops directly near the base of
the plant. Water is conveyed through a system of flexible pipelines, operating at low
pressure and is supplied to the plants through drip nozzles.
