Briefly explain the various methods of irrigation involved in agriculture? Explain each of these methods in detail.


Irrigation is the process of supplying the required amount of water to plants at needed intervals. It helps to grow agricultural crops, maintains landscapes, and also provides the barren land with a new vegetative cover during the periods of average or less rainfall.

There are different types of irrigation systems, such as-

1. Sprinkler irrigation- It is a method of irrigation in which water is distributed similarly to rainfall. 

It conveys water evenly throughout the surface with the help of a sprinkler that has rotating nozzles on top which seems like rain falling on the surface.

It is the best method of irrigation for an uneven land, as it does not need investment in leveling procedures.

This irrigation system is used to irrigate agricultural crops, lawns, landscapes, golf courses, and other areas. 

2. River-lift irrigation- It is the method of irrigation in which water is lifted mostly from groundwater, river stream channels, and lakes with heavy capacity electric pumps, to the main delivery chamber, which is situated at the topmost point in the command area, and then distributed through the pipeline to the nearby fields within its area.

This method of irrigation made irrigation possible at a higher level.

3. Canal irrigation- It is the method of irrigation in which an artificial channel that is constructed to carry water to the fields either from the river and reservoir to perform irrigation.

The canals are constructed by using concrete, stone, and brick so that issues like seepage and erosion don’t occur.

This system is a permanent structure, hence only maintenance is required for getting its benefits for a long time, and it also improves groundwater storage.

4. Drip irrigation- Drip irrigation is a technique in which water and nutrients are delivered directly to the plant's roots zone, in the right amounts, at the right time, through special drip pipes, with emitters located at different spacing, so that each plant gets exactly what it needs.  

This method of irrigation is the most efficient water and nutrient delivery system for growing crops because it saves water and increases yield.

5. Tube-well irrigation- It is the method of irrigation in which a long, 3.9–7.9 inch wide, stainless steel tube or pipe is bored into the underground layer of water, and a pump lifts water for irrigation. 

The depth of the tube-well depends on the depth of the water table of the area.

This method is more reliable during periods of drought when surface water dries up

                                   

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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