What is Irrigation?

Class 8 Science Chapter 1 Crop Production and Management

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In this article we will talk about what is irrigation and what are its different methods.
Seeds in crop field germinates only if they get sufficient amount of water. Moreover, plants also need water for growth and development of flowers, fruits and seeds. Water is absorbed by roots of plants present in the soil. With water roots of plants also absorbs essential mineral and nutrient. A healthy plant contains 90% of water. Water also allows passage of nutrient and mineral in the plant body. It also protects plant body from frost and flowing hot air. Therefore, healthy plant require regular water supply.

Irrigation is supply of water to the crops in regular time intervals.

Time and repetition of irrigation varies from crop to crop , from different soil types as well as well as from season to season. For example, during summers, evaporation from plant body and soil is higher, due to which irrigation is done frequently. However in winter season, it is not so frequent.
Also, irrigation can be carried out by various sources like wells, tube wells, ponds, lakes, rivers, dams and canals.
It can be carried out using traditional methods and modern methods of irrigation.


Methods of irrigation

Traditional methods

Moat, chain pump, dhekli, rahat are some of the methods which brings water out of well, lakes, canals for irrigation. These methods are based on animal or human labour, therefore are cheap and less efficient. Pumps are the most common among the traditional methods.

Modern methods

These methods are more economical as compared to traditional methods.

  • Sprinkler system: In this system vertical pipes are provided with rotating nozzle on top and is joined to main pipeline at regular intervals. With the help of pump, water is allowed to pass through the pipes with high pressure. Pressure allows the nozzle to rotate and water is sprinkled on the crop similar to rain. It is useful in case if the ground is not levelled or in case of sandy soil.
  • Drip system: In this method, irrigation is done drop by drop, near the plants so that only part of the soil near the roots are the wet. This type of irrigation is done for fruit plants, garden and trees. Moreover, drip irrigation there is no wastage of water, however, irrigation needs to be done more frequently.

Watch video on Irrigation here

Keywords: Drip irrigation, Sprinkler system, Sprinkler irrigation, Drip system.

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Comments

  1. Heeral Goswami

    I guess this all was so helpful and the chat was too !

  2. Shanaya

    Brilliant , Excellent , Marvelous

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