Sustainability in every field of life is necessary these days. We have to introduce such methods and techniques which can conserve our earth's natural resources, that's how these resources might be available for our next generation.
Sustainable agriculture means farmers have to opt for those farming techniques which can protect soil, biota, air, water, human health from diseases, pollution, and destruction.
WHAT IS IRRIGATION?
Irrigation is an artificial way of providing water to the fields. There are two ways to supply water to the crops:
I- Rainfall
II- Irrigation
In some areas, where a sufficient amount of rainfall is available in each season, farmers grow crops that rely on rainfall and they do not need artificial ways to supply water to the fields. But in those areas where rainfall is insufficient, infrequent or shortage, farmers have to opt for artificial ways to supply water to the fields for better output.
BENEFITS OF IRRIGATION
- It combines surface soil
- Helpful in weeds control
- Helpful in frost conditions
- Dust suppression
- Protects from soil erosion
- Cooling livestock from heat
TYPES OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM
There are different ways to supply water to the fields which evolve, that's why divided into two major categories:
1- Conventional Irrigation system
2- Modern irrigation system
1.CONVENTIONAL IRRIGATION SYSTEM
It is also known as a traditional irrigation system. Farmers having small land holdings use old methods to supply water to the crops. They are non-mechanized and surface way of irrigation that's why cost-effective and environment friendly. But they are ineffective at commercial farms.
Following conventional irrigation systems are used:
i- Shaduf
ii- Charsa
iii- Ponds
iv- Tanks
v- Persian wheel
vi- Karez
In all these old ways farmer used the following methods:
1.1 Flooding
1.2 Bedding
1.3 Basin
1.4 Furrowing
1.1- Flooding
In this method, farmers fill river or canal water in the fields for the cultivation of those crops which grow in maximum stagnant water such as rice. The whole land is covered with water.
Merits
- Water freely flow in all directions and irrigate each corner of the field
- Useful in uneven surfaces
- Best for high-density crops
- Maximum water wastage and only 25% is consumed by crops
- Waterlogging and Salinity chances are 90% high
- Excessive soil erosion
1.2- Bedding
Farmer divides the whole farm into small sections with the help of bunds around 30cm high. This method is applicable only at level grounds and loamy or sandy soil.
Merits
- Less soil erosion
- Low labour and less investment is required
- It is not ideal for all soil types and crops
- Constant water supply is tough
1.3- Basin
This method is only applicable in orchards and gardens. A raised platform is built, filled with water, and small pipes are used to drain water from one tree to another tree at a distance of 30-60 cm.
Merits
- Time-saving and fast method
- No water wastage or soil erosion
- Expensive method
- Only useful for gardens
- Spread of diseases from one tree to another
1.4 Water Channels
This method is used in those fields where crops are grown in rows and channels are built along with them. Water has no direct contact with plants, so it is supplied in a mannerly way.
Merits
- Suitable for large commercial farms
- No huge investment or extensive labour is required
- Easy to install and manage
- Waterlogging and salinity is the major problem
- Irregular flow of water
- Not suitable for every crop
2- MODERN IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Modern irrigation ways are mechanical and very fast; they are suitable for commercial farms where huge investment and extensive labour are available. They required skilled people to install and maintain.
Following modern irrigations ways are used:
i- Sprinklers
ii- Tank irrigation
iii- Canals
iv- Tube wells
v- Drips/Trickle
vi- Pots
2.1 – Spray irrigation
Sprays are used to irrigate vast orchids. It is an expensive method.
Merits
- There is no water wastage, soil erosion, or water logging issue
- Even distribution of water through nozzles Demerits
- Huge investment is required for installation and maintenance
- High power consumption
- Fully monitored minimum water supply
- No water loss
- Monitor weed growth in roots
- No water logging, salinity, or soil erosion issue
- Expensive method
- Limited water supply to the plant
- Water seepage is low
- Useful for vegetables
- Cost-effective method
- Requires clean water
2.2 Drip irrigation
It is useful in deserts where rainfall is scanty. Farmers install pipes with a nozzle that drizzle water drops to the specific plant to stop water wastage.
Merits
2.3- Pot irrigation
Pots or pitchers with holes are fixed underground filled with water to supply water to the roots. This method is useful in areas having saline soil.
Merits
CONCLUSION
Irrigation is a very important part of agriculture but farmers use those ways which are sustainable whether they are old or modern. Modern methods mostly require huge energy sources so they are not eco-friendly but traditional methods are not useful for large farms so there must be innovation between these methods which must be environment friendly as well as efficient for large farms.