A History of Agricultural Irrigation

The earliest form of irrigation dates back at least 8,000 years, and the technique remains an
important part of successful agricultural practices across the world. Here is a brief history of
irrigation from the earliest days until modern times.

Egypt and Mesopotamia

The earliest known systems of irrigation began in 6000 BC in Egypt and Mesopotamia. In Egypt,
the Nile flooded for a few months each year, and the waters were diverted to the fields to allow
farmers to grow crops where otherwise they would be unable to do so. In 3100 BC, a large
irrigation project was built, which involved the construction of dams and canals up to 20
kilometres in size.

However, the flooding was uncertain, and high flows could wash away dikes and flood entire
villages, whereas low flows would not provide the crops with enough water.

In Mesopotamia, the Tigris and Euphrates floodwaters were used in the same way. The
Sumerians dug canals in what are considered the first ever works of engineering. It is thought
that canals could be used for up to 1,000 years before being replaced.

Terrace Irrigation

Terrace irrigation is an ancient technique that was used all over the world, including in China
and India, but it was used especially in the Americas. The Zana Valley in Peru provides an
example of this technique, and remains of irrigation canals have been found here that date back
to 4,000 BC, which are the earliest systems in the Americas that we know of. However, the
technique could have been used even earlier than this.

Sri Lankan Irrigation

Irrigation in Sri Lanka dates back to about 300 BC during the reign of King Pandukabhaya. A
very complex system of underground canals was used, and this is the first place where artificial
reservoirs for storing water were built in an incredible feat of engineering. In fact, they were so
well designed that they still exist to this day.

North American Irrigation

Two systems of irrigation were used in North America, which are known as the Chaco and
Hohokam systems. The Hohokam system was used by the Hohokam people in Arizona, and the
Chaco system was used by the Anasazi in New Mexico.

The Hohokam people built canals in the early centuries of the first millennium, whereas the
Chaco system dates to about 900 AD. This also used canals to divert water into fields and
reservoirs in the San Juan basin.

More Irrigation from Around the World

There are many other examples of irrigation systems that were used in different parts of the
world. One that stands out is the Assyrian irrigation system. This utilised tunnels that brought
water from underground sources in hills and carried it down to lower ground, and once it was
used it spread into North Africa.

Irrigation in Mexico dates back to about 600 BC. It involved the construction of storage dams
where blocks were joined together and canal systems were developed to carefully control the
water.

The Romans also used irrigation in Britain as early as 2,000 years ago. Only recently, an
irrigation system was discovered in Cambridge that may have been used for growing grapes or
asparagus. The Romans used dams and reservoirs for irrigation, and they then distributed the
water via channels. Romans also constructed grand aqueducts to transport water not just for
farming but for baths and homes.

Modern Irrigation

Irrigation has come a long way since it was first invented thousands of years ago. Modern
irrigation systems are very advanced, and there are various systems in use around the world.

Surface systems are still in use today and involve the water being moved across the surface of
a farming area to wet the soil. This is one of the oldest techniques used, and it is similar to
irrigation through the flooding of rivers, which dates back thousands of years.

Localised irrigation is the name used to describe various types of irrigation methods used today.
It involves water being distributed under pressure to an exact location, and it includes drip
irrigation and sprinkler irrigation. This allows greater accuracy and control over the distribution of
water, which is essential for many types of modern-day intensive farming.
Sub-irrigation is a more advanced form of irrigation that is widely used around the world. This
involves artificially raising the level of the water table below the ground, which then moistens the
soil from below rather than applying water onto the soil from above. It is a popular technique in
many places around the world, and it is also used in greenhouses.

In-ground systems are widely used in commercial settings. This is when the irrigation system is
hidden in the ground so that the area looks cleaner and the pipes and other devices do not get
in the way.

The Power of Irrigation

Irrigation demonstrates the ability of humans to control our world through the use of innovative
techniques. It has been essential for the successful growing of crops right across the world for
thousands of years, and it remains so to this day. Irrigation techniques may continue to develop,
but the basic process of artificially directing water towards agricultural land has remained a
mainstay of farming for thousands of years and has allowed humans to dominate their
environment wherever they live.