What Are The Different Irrigation Systems

| Sunday, May 12, 2013
By Alison Wilcox


The importance of water to the plants cannot be stressed out enough. Simply, the lack of water can cause the plants to wilt and eventually die. This is an essential element for photosynthesis. However, the natural sources and the weather are not always reliable in providing these needs. Sprinkler systems and watering cans have long been used to water plants, but may not be enough to evenly cover wide fields. Luckily, the farmers can use different methods of irrigation Waukesha for an entire acre of plants.

The first irrigation system in the world was the basin method. It was used by the Egyptians in watering their crops with the abundance of the Nile river. It was a simple system where water is diverted then channeled into a large, flat-bottomed basin in various farms around. While merely a simple system, this has been a proven productive farming method.

Over the years, more refined methods have been developed. Intended to address the varying needs of different plants, the farmers came up with many different systems. The processes may have become more elaborate, but its principles remained to be the same. Some known methods at present include the overhead systems, sub-surface provisions, plastic mulch, surface irrigation and the trickle or drip method.

Arguably the simplest method, the surface water systems allow natural flooding of the water to a certain parcel of land. As the water is uncontrolled, unregulated and unrestrained, the plants are in constant risk of getting damaged. This is only ideal for plants with less or no value. Moreover, the system is totally reliant on a rich water source.

Another popular system, the basin method, is one variance considered to be more refined. This follows similar principle as the surface watering system, except that pipelines and channels are used to manage the water flow. Dikes are constructed to momentarily hold the water prior to flooding the parcels of land. This is perfect for close spaced crops with roots running deep under the ground.

Although working in the same principle, the border irrigation does not make use of a dike. Instead, the water is allowed to drain from one end to the other. This works well on sloped lands where the water can flow freely. Another alternative, the furrow system, is closely similar with the process except that the water flow is controlled by means of channels within the field. The amount of water in any given time for a particular portion of the field surface can be controlled by the farmers.

Meanwhile, overhead systems use spray nozzles in watering plants from an elevated place. Water is pumped up to the gears mounted on top of stake or networks of overhead pipes. To evenly cover a larger area, moving overhead booms are used. Others also have the practicality to be dismantled easily, so the gears can be transferred from one area to another with ease.

However, this method has its downside, too. For one thing, it requires relatively high pressure so the water can be pumped to the overhead pipelines. Also, exposure of the leaves to wetness over an extended period may expose the plants to the risks of fungal and bacterial diseases.

One other popular method of irrigation Waukesha is trickle or drip water system. Of all the methods mentioned, this is most controllable. Water is continuously provided to different areas through a piping network. This is most effective, precise and economical method since the water is dripped close to the roots. This can provide an even, stable and gradual flow of water that is enough for the plants' needs.




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