Methods of

Irrigation System
and Applications
Water is essential to life, and irrigation systems
ensure that crops receive an adequate water
supply. In this presentation, we will explore the
different methods of irrigation and their
applications, as well as the importance of efficient
water management in agriculture.
Methods of Irrigation System and Applications
 Drip Irrigation
Advantages
Conserves water, minimizes weed
growth, reduces soil erosion and
nutrient leaching, and it's highly
efficient.
Applications
Gardens: perfect for keeping your garden plants
happy without wasting water.
Farms: big farms us drip irrigation to efficiently
water and rows of crops
Greenhouses: ideal for giving specific plants in
greenhouses the exact amount of water they need
1
2
Definition
Drip irrigation is a method of
irrigation where water is directly
applied to the roots of the plant
gradually through a network of
pipes, emitters, and tubing.
3 Disadvantages
High installation and maintenance
4 costs, clogging or blocking of
emitters due to sediments and
chemical deposits, and it is mostly
suitable for row crops and orchards.
 Surface Irrigation
1

Advantages 2
Simple and inexpensive,
minimal water loss due to
evaporation, and suitable for
wide range of crops.
Definition
Surface irrigation is a method
where water is applied to the
soil surface and distributed by
gravity.
3 Disadvantages
Applications 4 Inefficient water use, large
Rice fields: commonly used in rice paddies where water can water requirement, and prone
be allowed to flow across the field. to soil erosion.
Large farms: suitable for extensive farming areas where the
simplicity of the surface irrigation is advantageous
Orchards: can be used in orchards where the trees are well –
spaced, allowing water to flow across the soil surface.
Sprinkler Irrigation

Definition Advantages
Sprinkler irrigation is a Precise water application,
method of irrigation uniform distribution, and
where water is distributed it can work with all kinds
through high-pressure of land shapes and soil
sprinklers. types.

Disadvantages
High installation and maintenance
cost, water wastage due to
evaporation and wind drift, and
it's not efficient for crops
susceptible to disease.
Applications
Sprinkler irrigation is versatile and widely
used for various crops and its
applications include irrigating lawns,
gardens, and agricultural fields. It helps
conserve water, provides uniform
coverage, and is suitable for a range of
Sub-surface Irrigation
Definition Advantages
Sub-surface Minimizes water loss due to
irrigation is a evaporation and less soil
method where erosion, and it ensures that
water is applied water is delivered directly to
beneath the soil plant roots.
surface.

Disadvantages Applications
High installation Vegetable gardens, turfgrass,
costs, requires and golf courses.
technical expertise
and can lead to
overwatering.
Center Pivot Irrigation
1 Definition
A type of sprinkler irrigation that
that usually involves a large
circular irrigator that moves in a
in a circular pattern around a
pivot point.
3 Disadvantages
High capital cost, limited use
in hilly terrain, and it can lead
to soil compaction.
2 Advantages
Efficient water use, high
uniformity, low labor
requirements, and it works
well with flat terrain.
4 Applications
Center pivot irrigation is
commonly used in large scale
agriculture. Its applications
include irrigating crops like
corn, soybeans, and wheat. It
provides efficient water
distribution, reduces water
requirements, and is suitable
for flat or gently sloping fields.
 Lateral Move Irrigation
1

Advantages 2
High efficiency, low labor
requirements, and increased
yields.

Definition
A type of center pivot irrigation
where the water is distributed
from a line of pipes that move
laterally along the crop.
3 Disadvantages
High installation cost, limited to
flat land, and prone to
mechanical failure.
Applications 4
Lateral move irrigation, often associated with
systems like “linear move” or “wheel move”, is used
for various crops and landscapes and its
applications include irrigating rectangular fields,
pastures, and specialty crops. It offers flexibility
uniform water distribution, and is suitable for
Micro-Irrigation

Definition A type of irrigation that delivers water

directly to the roots of the plant drop by
drop, at a low flow rate beneath the soil
surface.
Advantages Minimizes water loss due to evaporation
and runoff, conserves water, reduced soil
erosion, and ensures water is delivered
precisely to plant roots.
Disadvantages High initial costs, prone to clogging or
blocking of emitters, and mechanically
complex.
Applications The application of fertilizer and
nutrients, commercial agriculture, fruits,
flowers, and vegetables.
Fogging and Mist Irrigation
Definition Advantages
A type of Reduces water
irrigation where consumption, reduces
water is sprayed evaporation, and
as small droplets lowers the risk of
in the air similar damaging plants from
to fog or mist. too much water.

Disadvantages Applications
High installation
costs, requires Greenhouses,
adequate orchids, cut flowers,
humidity levels, nursery crops, and
and it can mushroom
increase pest production.
infestation in
some crops.
Furrow Irrigation
Definition
Method of crop irrigation where water is directed and
allowed to flow between raised or lowered rows of
crops. Channels or furrows are created along the crop
rows, and water is applied either by flooding the furrows
or allowing it to flow through them, providing moisture
to the root zone of the plants.
Disadvantages
Water Loss: There can be significant water loss due to
runoff, especially on sloping terrain. 2
Inefficient Water Distribution: Uniform water
distribution can be a challenge, leading to over-
irrigation in some areas and under-irrigation in others.
Advantages
Simple and Low Cost: Furrow irrigation systems are relatively
simple and cost-effective to set up.
Suitable for Row Crops: Ideal for row crops like corn, cotton,
and vegetables.
Reduced Soil Erosion: Furrows can help control soil erosion by
directing water along the rows.
Applications
Row Crops: Commonly used for row crops such as corn,
cotton, and vegetables where crops are planted in rows with
furrows between them.
Fruit Orchards: Suitable for orchards with trees or vines
arranged in rows, providing targeted irrigation to the root
zones.
Capillary Irrigation
Definition
Capillary irrigation involves the use of capillary action to
supply water to plants. This method is commonly used in
greenhouse or nursery settings. Water moves through a
capillary mat or fabric from a water source to the root zone
of plants, allowing them to absorb moisture as needed.
Capillary irrigation is often employed in potted plants or
seedling trays, promoting efficient water use.

Advantages
Water Efficiency: Capillary action pulls
water upward, promoting efficient water use
by plants.
Suitable for Potted Plants: Ideal for
containerized plants in nurseries or
greenhouse settings.
Reduced Waterlogging: Helps prevent
waterlogging by providing a controlled water
supply.
Disadvantages
Dependent on Capillary Action: Efficiency relies on
capillary forces, which may vary based on the medium used
and environmental conditions.
Limited to Certain Crops: More suitable for certain crops in
controlled environments, limiting its applicability in open
fields.
Maintenance Requirements: The capillary system requires
proper maintenance to ensure optimal functioning over
time.

Applications
Water Efficiency: Capillary action pulls water upward, promoting efficient water use by
plants.
Suitable for Potted Plants: Ideal for containerized plants in nurseries or greenhouse
Conclusion
Summary of Different Considerations for Importance of Efficient
Irrigation Methods Choosing the Water Management in
Appropriate Method Agriculture
Each irrigation Factors such as Irrigation is one of the
method has its land topography, most water-intensive
advantages and soil type, crop type, practices, and efficient
disadvantages. It's and water use of irrigation water
essential to choose availability should helps conserve this
the appropriate be taken into critical resource in
method based on account when agriculture and preserve
the terrain, soil type, selecting an the environment for
and crop irrigation system. future generations.
requirements.

Role of Plants in Irrigation

Plants play a crucial role in the entire irrigation process. They absorb
water through their roots and transport it to different parts of the plant,
aiding in growth and development. Proper plant selection and
understanding their water needs are essential for efficient irrigation
practices.