Content Writer-SME
In the traditional method of irrigation, ditches, canals, or furrows are used to supply water to crops. The environment, crops, climate, and resources all influence irrigation. The four types of traditional irrigation methods are check basin, strip irrigation, furrow, and basin irrigation.
Proper irrigation practices minimise crop damage and increase crop output. Rain or groundwater are the sources of water used in traditional irrigation. Compared to current methods, traditional irrigation techniques are more affordable and efficient, and they have been used over a longer period.
| Table of Content |
What is Irrigation?
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
Irrigation is the process of distributing controlled levels of water to land in order to cultivate crops, decorative plants, and lawns. This is also known as "watering."
- In areas with insufficient or erratic rainfall, it provides the proper moisture content for plant growth, boosts crop productivity, and supports agricultural activities.
- On the other hand, over-irrigation can result in problems including salinization, waterlogging, and adverse environmental effects.
- For this reason, long-term agricultural output and ecological balance depend on effective and sustainable irrigation techniques.
Traditional Irrigation Methods
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
The traditional irrigation method involves utilizing human power or animal support to irrigate land. Transporting water to farming regions can be done by a farmer using animals or manually from wells or canals. The four different traditional irrigation techniques are:-
Check Basin Method
The check basin irrigation technique involves watering separate square or rectangle-shaped plots within the boundaries. It is considered to be the most efficient irrigation technique for leveled areas. Basins are set up in the field by determining the water capacity.
Strip Irrigation Method
It is a labor-saving and simple traditional irrigation method. The borders that separate the land consist of several long, parallel strips. The dimension of the strips is determined by the land's structure. This method is used when there is no other way to stop soil erosion or when the slope is too deep.
Furrow Irrigation
Using the furrow irrigation method, tiny channels, or furrows, are made along the edges of the field. Water is then allowed to pass through the furrows and seep into the soil surrounding the root zones of the plants. Orchards and row crops can also benefit from this method. Improper implementation may result in improper distribution of water and could lead to soil degradation.
Basin Irrigation
With this technique, single plants or clusters of plants are surrounded by shallow basins or depressions. After that, water is poured straight into these basins, permitting it to slowly seep into the ground surrounding the plants. These kinds of irrigation are typically carried out on fields with a limited space.
Sample Questions
Ques. Which type of crops are suitable for the check basin method? (2 marks)
Ans. The crops that benefit most from this technique include varieties like paddy, which need standing water on the surface of the soil. The basin method works best for crops that can withstand standing water for a long time—roughly 12 to 24 hours.
Ques. What are the types of check basin methods? (2 marks)
Ans. There are three types of check basin irrigation: ring, contour, and rectangle. As a result, the basins don't have to be square or have straight sides, and the border walls can be temporary or permanent.
What is the irrigation method known as zigzag? (2 marks)
Ans. It's a unique kind of flooding where the water goes around each plot's endpoint. The entire region is partitioned into several square or rectangle-shaped plots, and low bunds or barriers are used to further separate each plot.
Ques. Which kind of irrigation has the maximum efficiency? (2 marks)
Ans. The most efficient method of irrigation is drip irrigation. By letting water seep slowly into plant roots, drip irrigation is a kind of micro-irrigation technology that can help save resources like water and nutrients.
Ques. What is a drip method of irrigation? (2 marks)
Ans. The method of drip irrigation involves setting emitter-equipped tubing on the ground close to the plants. Water is gradually dripped into the root zone soil via the emitters.
Ques. Which irrigation system is the oldest and cheapest? (2 marks)
Ans. The furrow irrigation method is a very old method. To provide moisture for the roots of plants, furrow irrigation involves making channels between crop rows and filling them with water that seeps into the soil underneath. Though this technique is cheap, drainage and evaporation lose roughly one-third of the water.
Ques. In India, what is the most affordable method of irrigation? (2 marks)
Ans. The simplest, least expensive, and self-sufficient source of irrigation is a well, which can be utilized whenever needed. In the U.P., Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, and Gujarat, tube wells are most commonly used.
Ques. Who in India initiated irrigation? (2 marks)
Ans. Firoz Shah Tughlaq is credited for introducing canal irrigation to India for the first time. His primary focus was on fortifying the empire's infrastructure, which led him to build the largest network of canals and other infrastructure.
Ques. What does micro-irrigation mean? (1 mark)
Ans. Irrigation with drippers, sprinkler systems, foggers, and other types of emitters on the surface or under the ground is known as micro irrigation.
Ques. What are the advantages of the strip irrigation method? (3 marks)
Ans. The strip irrigation method benefits the farmers in many ways such as:
- It lowers the rate and volume of water flow, minimizes soil erosion,
- Improves water quality by decreasing sedimentation, and
- Helps in maintaining high soil fertility.
Ques. What is leaching in agriculture? (1 mark)
Ans. Leaching is the term used in agriculture to describe the loss of soil-based plant nutrients caused by irrigation and rainfall.
Ques. What benefits does a traditional irrigation system offer? (2 marks)
Ans. Numerous advantages come with traditional irrigation, such as increased soil fertility, carbon capture and storage, resource utilisation, biodiversity preservation, sustainability, and safeguarding the planet.
Ques. What is irrigation using the lever method? (2 marks)
Ans. Traditional irrigation systems in which a wheel is connected to a pulley are called lever systems. By doing this, well water that later goes to fields can be collected more effectively.
Comments