Types of Irrigation

Types of Irrigation

Agriculture

Humans have practiced agriculture since their earliest days on Earth, producing essential food by planting crops, watering them, and taking care of them. In ancient times, agriculture was referred to as the science of land cultivation. This activity requires three essential factors for success: soil, water, and light, all of which complement each other. Among these, water plays a critical role, as agriculture cannot thrive without it, even in rain-fed or irrigated farming. In this discussion, we focus on the process of supplying soil with the necessary water to ensure successful agriculture, known as irrigation.

Irrigation

Irrigation, also referred to as agricultural irrigation and drainage engineering, involves supplying cultivated soil with water during specific growth stages of a plant to facilitate its development. Irrigation starts from the moment seeds are planted until harvest. It can be carried out using various methods managed by humans or occur naturally through rainfall or flooding, known as natural irrigation.

Types of Irrigation

Irrigation can be classified into two main types:

1. Natural Irrigation:
   • The process of supplying water to cultivated soil naturally, without human intervention. This can occur through:
     • Rainfall.
     • Floods.
     • Water from rivers and streams.
2. Artificial Irrigation:
   • Completely dependent on human intervention, where water is supplied to cultivated soil using common irrigation methods, such as:
     • Drip irrigation.
     • Sprinkler irrigation.

Common Irrigation Methods

1. Surface Irrigation:
   • Also known as flood irrigation, this method involves collecting water on the soil surface and flooding the crops. It is classified into:
     • Rainfed irrigation: Also called dry farming or Bour irrigation.
     • Intermediate irrigation: Water is partially applied manually or mechanically.
2. Sprinkler Irrigation:
   • Plants and soil receive water through sprinklers that distribute it as if it were artificial rain. It is categorized based on:
     • Sprinkling technique: Spray or mist.
     • Operational method: Fixed, movable, semi-movable, or portable.
     • Sprinkling range:
       • Long-range: Exceeding 25 meters.
       • Medium-range: Between 12 to 18 meters.
       • Short-range: Less than 8 meters.
3. Drip Irrigation:
   • A method that supplies plants with the minimum amount of water necessary to sustain life, reducing waste and ensuring water efficiency.
4. Pivot Irrigation:
   • This method uses a long rotating pipe resembling an arm connected to a water source. It irrigates in a semi-circular pattern, parallel to the length of the pipe.

Benefits of Irrigation Water

• Dissolves nutrients in the soil and delivers them to plant roots.
• Activates bacteria that help roots absorb organic materials in the soil by breaking them down.
• Moderates soil temperature, creating favorable conditions for plant growth.
• Removes excess salts and harmful substances from the soil.