Impact of Irrigation

Irrigation schemes alter the natural hydrological features of a location and

lead to changes in the natural quality of soil and water in the region where it is
applied.

What Is Irrigation?
Irrigation, sometimes referred to as an irrigation scheme, is the act of
redirecting water for a specific purpose. This purpose is usually to water
agricultural crops, to maintain landscapes, or to provide much needed water
during a drought. Less often, irrigation is used to control dust, to get rid of
sewage, and to aid in mining projects. This article takes a closer look at the
environmental impact of irrigation.

Direct Environmental Impact of Irrigation

Because irrigation systems deal with redirecting water from rivers, lakes, and
underground sources, they have a direct impact on the surrounding environment.
Some of these impacts include: increased groundwater level in irrigated areas,
decreased water flow downstream of sourced rivers and streams, and increased
evaporation in irrigated areas. Increased evaporation in irrigated areas can cause
instability in the atmosphere, as well as increase levels of rainfall downwind of
the irrigation. These changes to the climate are a direct result of changes to
natural moisture levels in the surrounding atmosphere.

Indirect Environmental Impact of Irrigation

Irrigation systems also have an indirect impact on the surrounding
environment. These indirect effects may not be as immediately noticeable as the
direct issues. Additionally, these effects take a longer time to develop and
produce longer-lasting changes. Irrigation can result in the following indirect
impacts:

Waterlogging
Waterlogging occurs when the soil becomes oversaturated with water,
promoting anaerobic conditions. With anaerobiosis, plant roots become
unhealthy due to a number of chemical reactions, including a reduction in soil
iron and manganese oxides.

Soil Salinization

Soil salinization happens when the salt content in soil increases above
normal, naturally occurring levels. Irrigation draws a significant amount of water
from an area, moving it to agricultural or landscaped lands. The area that has lost
a significant amount of water is often left with concentrated salt levels in the
decreased water levels left behind. High salt levels make it difficult for plants to
absorb the necessary amount of water and nutrients from the soil.

Ecological Damage
Ecological damage takes longer to occur and notice than waterlogging and
soil salinization. One of the most significant causes of ecological damage is in
reduced downstream river flow. When river flow is dramatically reduced, it can
lead to disappearing wetlands and flood forest ecosystems. Additionally, it results
in insufficient drinking, industrial, and municipal water supplies. Because less
water finds its way into the ocean, coastal erosion may occur, which damages
coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and their habitats. In addition, saltwater
makes its way from the ocean into estuaries in increased amounts, which
significantly changes the ecosystem and habitat of these waterways as well.

Socioeconomic Damage
Reduced water flow can also have other less obvious effects on socioeconomic
health. Specifically, irrigation may lead to decreased fishing and shipping
opportunities. One example of reduced fishing opportunities can be seen in
Pakistan within the Indus River. Here, water has been over extracted for
agricultural purposes. This has threatened the local fish populations which causes
an imbalance in the natural food chain. Over extraction of water in the Indus
River also affects local human populations, who rely on fishing as a source of
dietary protein and economic activity. Shipping opportunities are also affected as
large ships and other water transportation vehicles are left with insufficient water
to appropriately navigate, reducing trade and economic activity in certain areas.