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Understanding Irrigation Methods and Needs

Irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops when rainfall is insufficient, using various tools and methods. The source of irrigation water includes wells, ponds, lakes, and canals, with over 70% of the world's freshwater used in farming. Factors like crop type, soil type, and season affect irrigation needs, and traditional methods remain useful for their low cost and effectiveness in resource-limited areas.

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42 views2 pages

Understanding Irrigation Methods and Needs

Irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops when rainfall is insufficient, using various tools and methods. The source of irrigation water includes wells, ponds, lakes, and canals, with over 70% of the world's freshwater used in farming. Factors like crop type, soil type, and season affect irrigation needs, and traditional methods remain useful for their low cost and effectiveness in resource-limited areas.

Uploaded by

mannasubin988
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

What is Irrigation?

Irrigation means giving water to crops when there is not enough


rain. It helps plants grow well by giving them the water they
need. This water doesn’t come from rain—it is given by people
using different tools and methods.
Water used for irrigation can also carry nutrients, which are like
food for plants. These nutrients help plants grow faster and stay
healthy.

Where does irrigation water come from?


Irrigation water can come from many places, like:
Wells, Ponds, Lakes, Canals, Tube-wells, Dams
Over 70% of the world’s freshwater is used in farming!
Different crops need different amounts of water. How often
(frequency), how much (amount), and when (time) we give water
depends on the type of crop, the soil, and the season.​
For example, summer crops need more water because it's hot
and water evaporates quickly, while winter crops need less water.

What Affects Irrigation Needs?


1.​Type of Crop:​

○​ Rice needs a lot of water.​

○​ Wheat and pulses need less water.​

2.​Type of Soil:​

○​ Sandy soil lets water pass quickly, so crops need water


more often.​

○​ Clay soil holds water longer, so watering can be less


frequent.​

3.​Season:​
○​ In summer, crops need more water.​

○​ In the rainy season, they may not need any extra water
at all.

Overwatering can harm crops just like underwatering – it can rot


the roots. Drip irrigation gives water slowly and directly to the
plant roots—saving water and helping plants grow better.
Traditional methods of irrigation are old, simple ways of giving
water to crops. People use human or animal power and natural
forces like gravity to move water. These methods often need
manual work and basic tools like buckets, ropes, or wheels.
They were used long ago and are still used in some villages
today. These methods are cheaper and can be very effective
when used in the right places.
1.​Moat (Pulley System) – Water is drawn from a well using a
bucket and rope.​

2.​Rahat – Animals like oxen or buffaloes pull a wheel that lifts


water from a well.​

3.​Chain Pump – A rotating chain with buckets lifts water from


a low source to the field.​

4.​Dhekli – A lever system using a long stick and weight to pull


water from a well.​

Why Traditional Methods Are Useful:


●​ They are low-cost and don’t need electricity.​

●​ Great for small farms and areas with limited resources.


These methods save water and reduce pollution since they don’t
use machines or fuel.​
​

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