Types of Irrigation Systems Explained: Surface, Drip, and Sprinkler
There are a variety of types of irrigation systems are available. Some are quite simple, while others need lots of equipment and regular maintenance.
The system consists of pumps, ditches, gates, and canals to increase and distribute water evenly across fields. This is the most expensive kind of irrigation system.
Surface Irrigation
Surface irrigation is one of the most common systems for water supply. It requires a low investment in capital and minimal knowledge of advanced technology. It can be employed even in fields that slope. It is the most efficient method to irrigate fields that are sloped, since it relies on gravity to move water. It is difficult to manage and could result in the fields being filled with water for extended periods of time.
It is classified into three kinds: Basin irrigation, furrow irrigation, and border. Basin irrigation is the most popular type of surface water irrigation. It is comprised of diked areas that permit the surface water to flow freely. These systems can be constructed in any shape and size to accommodate various bec tuoi phun mua cropping patterns and soil conditions. They can also be modified by corrugated surfaces or sand-filled trenches to improve soil quality and water distribution.
Another advantage for these systems is their ease of maintenance. These lateral pipes can be cleaned and inspected effortlessly. They can also be flushed to ensure that they don’t get blocked with sediment or salts. This is an important advantage over drip irrigation where the lateral tubes must be buried underground. They are therefore more difficult to maintain and inspect.
Drip Irrigation
Low-pressure drip irrigation drips water directly onto plants. The water is then delivered directly to the roots of plants, making it a highly efficient method for watering. This is an excellent method for soils with sandy soils since it spreads water over an area larger that surface irrigation. Landscape plantings for residential gardens as well as commercial row crop production may benefit from drip irrigation.
The system is comprised of a pump which draws water from a source and then pumps it at the right pressure into a pipe network which transports the water to the field. (See Figure below). A settling pond could be necessary in certain situations. The pump unit must be sized correctly to avoid damaging the plant and surrounding soils. Filters are utilized to remove the seeds of weeds as well as fertilizer residues and chemical that are dissolved in water, which could precipitate. (For example calcium, iron and magnesium). An injection unit for chemical, which injects a controlled amount of insecticide, herbicide and fungicide into the water each time it is used for irrigation is also part of the.
A distribution system is comprised of PVC pipes that transport water to the field. Pipes may differ in terms of diameter and thickness. Certain PVC pipe is flexible and bends easily, while others are rigid and have a smooth bore. The emitters (nozzles) are positioned across the length of pipe, and are arranged depending on the needs of the crop and the soil conditions. Certain nozzles are compensated for pressure, ensuring a consistent flow over the operating pressures and heights.
Sprinkler Irrigation
Sprinkler irrigation resembles natural rainfall by spraying water droplets uniformly across the surface of soil. This type of irrigation is suitable well for a wide range of crops, including fruits and vegetables. This type of irrigation offers a lush, green environment which is nearly hands-free.
Sprinkler systems, just like other irrigation methods have their advantages and disadvantages, based on the field’s terrain. Certain systems are only effective in very specific topographies and some are very expensive.
One of the most widely utilized irrigation systems is the center pivot system. It consists of a series of towers that move and rotate around a circle in order to water the crop in a circular pattern. A central control unit is in charge of the rotation and movement of each tower. Operators are able to use a cell telephone or satellite radio to communicate with the device and remotely control the operation.
Linear-move, traveling big guns and side roll systems work similar to centers pivot systems, however they are designed to provide irrigation for rectangular fields. These systems are labor heavy during the summer, but have lower long-term system costs.
The solid-set system is designed to be used for perennial crops, turf and landscape. Cost-effective and uniform, they promote balanced growth and high production. They can be combined with fertilizers to apply nutrients and water (a method known as fertigation) to enhance nutrient uptake.
Methods for Irrigation
Irrigation is the process of pouring water on soil to maintain a consistent amount of moisture. This is done by various methods, including spraying or tubes and pumps. In areas that do not get enough rain to sustain the plant life by themselves.
The early civilizations constructed dams, canals and intricate irrigation canals in pursuit of food production and agriculture. Nowadays, we rely on technology to give the same benefits with far lesser energy.
Surface irrigation is classified into three types: furrows, borders, and basins. It is a method of enclosing the field, with levees that block water from escaping. This is the best method for crops like rice which can withstand flooding.
A variation on traditional flood irrigation is surge flooding. This method uses gated pipe with solar or batteries powered controllers. The valves allow water to flow in the field, after that, they shut it off. This creates waves of irrigation that reduce unwanted runoff.
The system is able to be used to grow a variety of crops. This system works well in areas with slopes. The only thing to note is that the rate of inflow should be sufficiently large to move the water front however, it should not be too much enough to wash the fertile soil out of the field. The inflow rate should not create a condition called waterlogging, when the soil becomes saturated.