Modern Methods of Irrigation

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Which are the Modern Methods of Irrigation?

We have seen that though the traditional methods are cheaper, they are not efficient. They require a lot of labour and also result in wastage of water. These methods have largely been replaced with modern methods, which are efficient, need less labour and also reduce the water wastage.

We will learn about two such methods.

What is Sprinkler Irrigation?

In this method, water is sprinkled on to the crops.

Water is pumped from nearby water sources like a well, which is then carried through long perpendicular pipes. These pipes are fitted on the ground at specific distances. A rotating nozzle is fixed at the top end of these pipes. The nozzle has tiny pores that allow water drops to be pushed outwards when the nozzle rotates at high speed.

 

Water is under pressure and this allows easy ascent and flow of the water. The nozzles then sprinkle the water on the crops. This saves a lot of water as well as human labour.

What is Drip irrigation?

As the name suggests, it is an irrigation system in which water drips and reaches the plants. The pores in the pipe are situated just near the roots of the plants. This ensures that no water is wasted. This is the most efficient system of irrigation.

Summary