Modern Irrigation
Yogesh.B
B Sc(HONS) Agriculture,School of Agricultural Sciences, Dhanalakshmi
Srinivasan University,Samayapuram,Trichy
Abstract
Irrigation is a vital practice in agriculture that ensures crop productivity and
food security, particularly in regions with irregular rainfall. Traditional
irrigation methods often lead to water wastage and soil degradation. In
contrast, modern irrigation systems such as drip, sprinkler, surface, and
subsurface irrigation offer improved water use efficiency and crop yield. This
article provides an in-depth overview of irrigation systems, focusing on their
types, working principles, advantages, limitations, and environmental
impacts. By implementing suitable irrigation systems, farmers can optimize
resource use, ensure sustainability, and contribute to climate-resilient
agriculture
Keywords
Irrigation, water management, drip irrigation, sprinkler system, surface
irrigation, water efficiency, sustainable agriculture
Introduction
Water is an essential input for plant growth, and irrigation plays a central role
in ensuring consistent and adequate water supply to crops. In many parts of
the world, rainfall is either seasonal or insufficient, making irrigation systems
indispensable for agriculture. Over the years, irrigation has evolved from
simple manual techniques to advanced systems using sensors and
automation. Efficient irrigation not only increases crop productivity but also
helps conserve water and reduce environmental stress. The choice of
irrigation method depends on factors such as soil type, crop variety, water
availability, and cost. In this article, various types of irrigation systems are
explored to understand their significance in sustainable agriculture.
Surface Irrigation
Surface irrigation is one of the oldest and most commonly used methods
worldwide. It involves applying water over the soil surface and allowing it to
flow across the field by gravity. Common types include furrow, basin, and
border irrigation.
Advantages- Low initial investment and simple technology
- Suitable for large areas and various soil types
Disadvantages
- High water losses due to evaporation and runoff
- Non-uniform water distribution
- Causes soil erosion and salinization in some cases
Despite its inefficiencies, surface irrigation remains widely used due to its
low cost and minimal maintenance requirements.
Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plant root zone through a
network of pipes and emitters. It is highly efficient and suitable for water-
scarce regions.
Advantages
- Saves up to 60% of water compared to surface methods
- Reduces weed growth and disease risk
- Enhances nutrient uptake through fertigation
Limitations
- High installation and maintenance cost
- Emitters can clog without proper filtration
Drip systems are widely adopted in horticulture, orchards, and greenhouse
farming, where water precision is critical.
Sprinkler Irrigation
Sprinkler irrigation simulates rainfall by spraying water into the air through
nozzles. It provides uniform coverage and is suitable for most crops and
terrains.
Benefits
- Efficient water use and uniform distribution
- Reduces labor and can be automated
- Ideal for sandy soils and shallow-rooted crops
Drawnbacks
- High energy requirement for pumping
- Water loss due to wind drift and evaporation
Sprinkler systems are used in both field crops and turf management due to
their flexibility and efficiency.
Subsurface Irrigation
his method involves delivering water below the soil surface, directly to the
plant roots through buried pipes or drip lines.
Benefits
- Eliminates surface evaporation
- Minimizes weed growth
- Ideal for saline or windy areas
Drawbacks
- Expensive setup and difficult maintenance
- Requires careful design to avoid clogging and uneven distribution
Subsurface systems are ideal for high-value crops and areas facing extreme
water scarcity
Conclusion
Irrigation systems are crucial for modern agriculture, especially in the
context of climate variability and increasing water scarcity. Choosing the
right system improves water use efficiency, boosts productivity, and
promotes sustainability. While surface methods are cost-effective, modern
systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation offer superior control and
conservation. Governments and agricultural institutions must promote
efficient irrigation practices through subsidies, training, and research to
ensure long-term food and water security.
References
1.Allen, R. G., Pereira, L. S., Raes, D., & Smith, M. (1998). *Crop
evapotranspiration: Guidelines for computing crop water requirements*. FAO
Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56. FAO.
2.Brouwer, C., Prins, K., Kay, M., & Heibloem, M. (1989). *Irrigation water
management: Irrigation methods*. FAO.
3.Keller, J., & Bliesner, R. D. (1990). *Sprinkler and trickle irrigation*.
Springer.
4.Pereira, L. S., Oweis, T., & Zairi, A. (2002). Irrigation management under
water scarcity. *Agricultural Water Management, 57*(3), 175–206.
