UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE FAISALABAD

Course: AGR-704

MODERN METHODS 0F IRRIGATION

By
ZAIN ALI
M.SC.(Hons)
2014-AG-4439
 WHAT IS IRRIGATION?

It is defined as the science of artificial

application of water to the land , in
accordance with ‘crop requirements’
throughout the ‘crop period’ for full
fledge nourishment of the crops.
 IRRIGATION IN THE PAST
• Farming was more focused on subsistence rather than selling
products in the market.
• Labor intensive.
• Irrigated land used to be small.
• Highly dependent on weather & Inefficient.
 MODERN CONSIDERATIONS
• More focus is now on selling the output.
• Machine intensive & more sophisticated.
• Rains are no longer the controlling force.
 Objective for Modern Methods
• Artificial control over supply of water.
• Low losses & High Efficiency.
• Less labour requirement & degree of freedom over
MANPOWER MANAGEMENT.
• Water Application Efficiency as well as Distribution Efficiency
is very high.
• Simultaneous injection of Fertilizer & Pesticides.
 Modern Methods of Irrigation
• SPRINKLER IRRIGATION
• DRIP IRRIGATION
 SPRINKLER IRRIGATION
• Consists of a network of pipes and sprinklers spaced at suitable places.
• At the nozzle Pressure head is converted to Velocity head.
• Area of Land wetted depends on following factors i.e. judges ‘Efficiency’

1. Velocity of water Jet

2. Angle of Flow
3. Type of Sprinkler & it’s design
4. Wind Speed & Direction.

• Just like artificial application of Rain.

 ADAPTABILITY
• Irregular Topography i.e. unsuitable for Surface Irrigation.
• Gradient is Steeper.
• Highly Sandy soil or Highly Clayey Soil.
• High water table i.e. near to ground.
• Seasonal Water demand is low for that area.
• Crops having following Factors
1. Required Humidity Control (Tobacco).
2. Having shallow roots.
3. Required high & frequent irrigation.
LAYOUT OF SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEM
 Advantages of Sprinkler Irrigation System

• Affordable and easy to set up.

• Water measurement is easier than surface irrigation system.
• Less interference with cultivation and less land loss.
• High and frequent application can be effectively accomplished.
• Easy mechanization and automation.
 DRIP IRRIGATION
• Also known as TRICKLE Irrigation
• Water is applied frequently but at a slow rate (<14lit/hr)
• Dia. of pipe & Emitters are small compared to Sprinkler Irrigation
• No need for separate drainage System.
• Full control over Weeds.
DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM LAYOUT
 Advantages of drip irrigation
• Fertilizer and nutrient loss is minimized due to a localized application and reduced leaching.
• Water application efficiency is high if managed correctly.
• Field leveling is not necessary.
• Fields with irregular shapes are easily accommodated.
• Recycled non-potable water can be safely used.
• Moisture within the root zone can be maintained at field capacity.
• Soil type plays a less important role in the frequency of irrigation.
• Soil erosion is lessened.
• Weed growth is lessened.
• Water distribution is highly uniform, controlled by the output of each nozzle.
• Labor cost is less than other irrigation methods.
• Variation in supply can be regulated by regulating the valves and drippers.
• Foliage remains dry, reducing the risk of disease.
• Usually operated at lower pressure than other types of pressurized irrigation, reducing energy costs.
 Disadvantages of Flood irrigation
Uneven distribution of water to crops

Little control of water supplied to crops

A lot of water is lost through evaporation

Leveling of land is required which may be expensive

References
https://www.technologytimes.pk/modern-irrigation-techniques

https://www.toppr.com › guides › biology

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/