Question

Describe briefly any five kinds of irrigation systems developed to supply water to agricultural lands?

Answer 1

Hint: The type of irrigation system used in agriculture is completely dependent upon the crop which is being grown and the type and shape of land used for the cultivation of the crops. The availability of nutrients is also a major requirement depending upon the plant and condition.

Complete answer:
Irrigation is a process with which the plants or crops are nourished with water for their growth. Normally the plants are provided water with normal methods only but sometimes the water availability is not proper so the use of water should be made with conscience so that no amount of water is wasted. The commonly used five methods for the irrigation of plants are:
1. Drip Irrigation System:
Drop by drop water is supplied directly to the roots of the plants at the point where they are sowed into the soil. This method is commonly used with plants which are soft, delicate and are generally of high value. From the above discussion we can say that if the water is provided drop by drop to the plant then surely a good amount of water is saved. This helps in preventing nutrient runoff and fungus growth.
2. Sprinkler System:
In this type of system as the name is suggesting the water is given to the plants in the form of fine sprays. This helps in preventing water loss and it is quite affordable to use, allows proper distribution and covers a larger area.
3. Center Pivot Irrigation:
This system is more or less similar to the sprinkler system but the main difference is that in the sprinkler system we have to install sprinklers throughout the field but in this system the sprinklers are attached to a central steel pivot which rotates with the help of a motor and eventually irrigates the field.
4. Furrow Irrigation:
This system is a type of surface irrigation system in which the furrows are created in the entire field and these furrows are then flooded with water. The plants which we want to grow are cultivated on the ridges between the two furrows. This is a very economical method as no machinery is required, it saves labor cost also.
5. Terraced Irrigation:
This kind of irrigation I usually see in the mountains where the land is uneven and irrigation often results in the runoff of nutrients. So, in this system they develop slopes on the mountain land in such an order that when they irrigate the top most slope the water which flows down will prevent the runoff of nutrients and thus saving the price on nutrients. With the help of this the productivity of the land also increases.

Note: The irrigation system is of many types and is eventually evolved during the course of time by the farmers in order to increase their productivity but we need to discuss the ones which cover the entire India.