Irrigation
Irrigation meets the water requirements of crops. The various sources of water for irrigation are wells, ponds, lakes, canals, tube wells and even dams. Irrigation provides the necessary moisture for growth, germination and other related functions. The water moistens the soil and therefore helps in the penetration of the roots even in the dry field. Frequency, speed, amount and time of irrigation are different for different crops and also vary according to soil and seasons. For example, summer crops require a higher rate of water. This can be done by two methods, the traditional method, and the modern method.
Traditional method:
In this method, irrigation is done manually. Here, a farmer draws water from the wells or canals by himself or the use of livestock and leads to the fields. This method may vary in different regions. The main advantage of this method is that it is cheap, but the efficiency is poor because uniform distribution of water is not always possible. In addition, the chances of loss of water during transportation is high. Some examples of the traditional system are pulley system, lever system, chain pump and dhekli. Among these, the pump system is more common and widely used. Modern method:
The modern method compensates for the disadvantages of traditional methods and therefore helps in the correct use of water. The modern method involves two systems: sprinkler system and drip system. A sprinkler system as its name suggests sprays water over the crop and helps in a uniform distribution of water. This method is very advisable in areas that face water shortages. Here a pump is connected to pipes that generate pressure and water is sprayed through pipe nozzles. In the drip system, the water supply is made drop-wise exactly at the roots using a hose or pipe. This method can also be used in regions where water availability is lower.
Irrigation should be optimal because even over-irrigation can spoil crop productivity. Excess water leads to water felling, difficult germination, increase salt concentration and uprooting because the roots can not withstand stagnant water. Therefore, the appropriate method should be used for the best crop.