Irrigation Methods

Crop Protection & Care

Water is to plants what blood is to humans — it carries food, keeps them alive, and helps them grow. But too much water can kill plants (root rot), and too little water makes them weak and dry. That's why farmers must learn the right irrigation methods for their crops, season, and soil.

💧 1. Traditional Irrigation (Manual Methods)

Simple methods for small-scale farming:

  • Watering by hand/buckets: Used in gardens and very small fields.
  • Flood Irrigation: Whole field is flooded with water. Common in rice and wheat.

✅ Advantage:

Simple, low cost.

❌ Disadvantage:

Wastes water, causes waterlogging, not suitable for all crops.

🚜 2. Furrow Irrigation

Water flows in small channels between crop rows.

Crops take water from the sides.

Common in potato, maize, sugarcane.

✅ Advantage:

Saves water compared to flood irrigation.

❌ Disadvantage:

Needs levelled land.

🪴 3. Basin Irrigation (For Trees & Orchards)

A circular basin is made around each tree.

Water is poured into the basin, slowly soaking into the soil.

Best for mango, guava, banana, and orchard crops.

💦 4. Sprinkler Irrigation

Pipes with nozzles spray water like artificial rain.

Good for sandy soil and vegetables.

✅ Advantage:

Even distribution of water.

❌ Disadvantage:

Costly to install and needs pumping power.

🌿 5. Drip Irrigation (Modern Method)

Water drips slowly near the root zone through pipes and emitters.

Saves up to 60% water and increases yield.

Best for tomato, brinjal, chili, grapes, banana.

✅ Advantage:

Saves water, reduces weeds, delivers water + fertilizer together.

❌ Disadvantage:

Initial cost is high.

⏰ Best Time for Irrigation

Timing affects water absorption:

  • Morning or evening: Plants absorb better, less evaporation.
  • Avoid hot afternoons: Water evaporates before reaching roots.

🌱 How to Know When Crops Need Water?

Look for these signs:

  • Soil feels dry 2–3 inches below surface.
  • Leaves droop or curl.
  • Soil cracks appear (especially in clay soil).
  • Light-weight pots (for potted plants).

👉 Remember:

Overwatering is as harmful as drought.

🧑‍🌾 Matching Crops with Irrigation

Choose the right method for each crop:

  • Rice: Flood irrigation (needs standing water).
  • Wheat, Maize: Furrows or flood irrigation.
  • Vegetables (Tomato, Chili, Brinjal): Drip irrigation best.
  • Fruit trees: Basin irrigation.

✍️ Practical Exercise for You

Try this simple activity:

  • Take a small plot with 10–15 plants.
  • Water half of them by flooding (pouring plenty at once).
  • Water the other half slowly near roots (like drip).
  • Observe after 3–4 days — drip-irrigated plants stay fresher, while flooded ones may show yellow leaves due to excess water.