Question

What is Irrigation? Describe two methods of Irrigation which conserve water.

Answer 1

Hint: For healthy crop growth, fields must be watered regularly to maintain the soil's moisture. Plants require plenty of air, water, and sunlight for growth.

Complete answer: 

To answer this question, first we need to know about irrigation. Irrigation is the artificial process of applying controlled amounts of water to land to assist in the production of crops. The different sources of irrigation are - rivers, wells, ponds, tube-wells, lakes, dams and canals. There are various traditional and modern methods of irrigation. The time and amount of irrigation differ from soil to soil, crop to crop, and season to season.

Water is essential for proper growth and development of plants. Plants absorb water and minerals through the roots.  Nutrients dissolved in water are carried to every part of the plant. 

Two means of irrigation systems which conserve water are the Drip system and sprinkler system.

1. Drip system: In this method, plants are watered drop by drop at their roots. It is the best irrigation method for crops and fruit-bearing plants. Pipes called 'dripper lines' having smaller units known as 'drippers' transport water and nutrients to the plants. Each dripper releases drops that contain water and fertilizers, resulting in a uniform distribution of water and nutrients directly to the root zone of the growing plant throughout the whole region. The system provides water to plants drop by drop ensuring that water is not wasted.

2. Sprinkler system: In this system, perpendicular pipes, having rotating nozzles on top, are joined to the main pipeline at regular intervals. When water is allowed to flow through the main pipe under pressure with the help of a pump, it escapes from the rotating nozzles. It gets sprinkled on the crop as if it is raining. This method is most effective on uneven land where there is not enough water available.

Note: Modern methods of irrigation help us to use water economically. Also, it is not labour intensive and is more efficient.