BASICS OF IRRIGATION
Introduction
In nature water is evidently the most vital element for the plant life. Water is normally supplied to
the plants by nature through rains. However, the total rainfall in a particular area may be either
insufficient, or ill-timed. In order to get the maximum yield, it is essential to supply the optimum
quantity of water and maintain correct timing of water. It is difficult to supply the water to the
plants as and when required by natural rains. Hence, it is necessary to search the artificial methods.
In this way irrigation is the best method which can full-fill the requirements of plants.
Definition: Irrigation can be defined as “ a systematically developed knowledge based on long
observations and experimentations of handling available sources of water for economic growth of
bumper crops “. Irrigation engineering includes
1. Tapping of water supply sources.
2. Storing of water.
3. Conveying that water effectively to the fields and
4. Using the water economically for the bumper crop productions.
Precisely “Irrigation” may be defined as the supply of water by artificial methods to the fields for the
cultivation of crops.
Necessity for irrigation
The following are some of the reasons necessary for adopting irrigation.
1. When the seasonal rainfall is less than the minimum quantity of rainfall required for
satisfactory crops growth. Obviously, irrigation is needed when rainfall is insufficient.
2. Every crop requires a certain quantity of water after fixed intervals of time fill the crop
matures. It is well known that rainfall cannot supply required quantity of water at fixed
intervals of time. Naturally irrigation is required when rainfall is unevenly distributed.
3. Some crops (for example sugarcane) require regular supply for long time which rainfall
cannot provide. Thus, irrigation is needed to gibe regular supply for long time.
4. Areas with nominal rainfall are always exposed to drought conditions. In such areas
irrigation makes it possible to cultivate lands.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Irrigation
Advantages: The following are the main advantages of irrigation
1. Irrigation improves the yield of crops and make people prosperous.
2. It makes country self-sufficient in food requirements by producing bumper crops and thus
improves the status of the country.
3. Irrigation water is taxed when it is supplied to the cultivators, and thus adds additional
revenue to government.
Introduction
In nature water is evidently the most vital element for the plant life. Water is normally supplied to
the plants by nature through rains. However, the total rainfall in a particular area may be either
insufficient, or ill-timed. In order to get the maximum yield, it is essential to supply the optimum
quantity of water and maintain correct timing of water. It is difficult to supply the water to the
plants as and when required by natural rains. Hence, it is necessary to search the artificial methods.
In this way irrigation is the best method which can full-fill the requirements of plants.
Definition: Irrigation can be defined as “ a systematically developed knowledge based on long
observations and experimentations of handling available sources of water for economic growth of
bumper crops “. Irrigation engineering includes
1. Tapping of water supply sources.
2. Storing of water.
3. Conveying that water effectively to the fields and
4. Using the water economically for the bumper crop productions.
Precisely “Irrigation” may be defined as the supply of water by artificial methods to the fields for the
cultivation of crops.
Necessity for irrigation
The following are some of the reasons necessary for adopting irrigation.
1. When the seasonal rainfall is less than the minimum quantity of rainfall required for
satisfactory crops growth. Obviously, irrigation is needed when rainfall is insufficient.
2. Every crop requires a certain quantity of water after fixed intervals of time fill the crop
matures. It is well known that rainfall cannot supply required quantity of water at fixed
intervals of time. Naturally irrigation is required when rainfall is unevenly distributed.
3. Some crops (for example sugarcane) require regular supply for long time which rainfall
cannot provide. Thus, irrigation is needed to gibe regular supply for long time.
4. Areas with nominal rainfall are always exposed to drought conditions. In such areas
irrigation makes it possible to cultivate lands.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Irrigation
Advantages: The following are the main advantages of irrigation
1. Irrigation improves the yield of crops and make people prosperous.
2. It makes country self-sufficient in food requirements by producing bumper crops and thus
improves the status of the country.
3. Irrigation water is taxed when it is supplied to the cultivators, and thus adds additional
revenue to government.
