What is irrigation? What are the …

Irrigation is the process of applying water to the crops artificially to fulfil their water requirements. Nutrients may also be provided to the crops through irrigation. The various sources of water for irrigation are wells, ponds, lakes, canals, tube-wells, and even dams. Irrigation offers moisture required for growth and development, germination, and other related functions.

Types of Irrigation

There are different types of irrigation practised for improving crop yield. These types of irrigation systems are practised based on the different types of soils, climates, crops and resources. The main types of irrigation followed by farmers include:

Surface Irrigation

In this system, no irrigation pump is involved. Here, water is distributed across the land by gravity.

Localized Irrigation

In this system, water is applied to each plant through a network of pipes under low pressure.

Sprinkler Irrigation

Water is distributed from a central location by overhead high-pressure sprinklers or from sprinklers from the moving platform.

Drip Irrigation

In this type, drops of water are delivered near the roots of the plants. This type of irrigation is rarely used as it requires more maintenance.

Centre Pivot Irrigation

In this, the water is distributed by a sprinkler system moving in a circular pattern.