Designs of Irrigation System

Objectives:
a. Determine what is sprinkler irrigation and
drip or tickle irrigation.
b. Present valuable ideas about sprinkler
irrigation and drip or tickle irrigation.
Sprinkler Irrigation
What is sprinkler irrigation?

It is a system of irrigation in which

water is distributed in the form of
spray like natural rainfall.
How does it work ?

In this technique, water is delivered

through a system of pipe by pumping
and then sprayed to the entire field.
Advantages of Sprinkler Irrigation

The water can be highly controlled interms of duration

and intensity.
Can also be used in slope areas.
 Suitable for all types of field condition (except heavy clay soil).
 Uniform distribution of water with high efficiency.
 Loss of water is minimum.
Advantages of Sprinkler Irrigation

Accurate and easy measurement of distributed water.

 Soluble fertilizers, herbicides and fungicides can be added in water
before distributing to the crops.
 Reduces labor cost.
 Easy to operate.
Disadvantages of Sprinkler Irrigation

High initial cost.

The water must be clean and free of sand, debris and dissolve salts.
Cannot be used in windy climate.
Fruits/crops can be damaged due to excessive water.
 Requires high and continuous power supply.
Drip Irrigation
What is Drip Irrigation?

It is a method of irrigation in which water is

dripped directly to the root zone of plants. The
water is slowly delivered to the crop root zone by
eliminating runoff, evaporation, and drift.
How does it work ?

Water and nutrients are delivered across the field in

pipes called ‘dripperlines’ featuring smaller units known
as ‘drippers’. Each dripper emits drops containing water
and fertilizers, resulting in the uniform application of
water and nutrients direct to each plant's root zone,
across an entire field.
Advantages of Drip Irrigation

 Use of available water is maximum.

 Crop production significantly increased.
 Loss of fertilizer or nutrients is minimum. Fertilizer can be used with high
efficiency.
 No water is available for weeds and hence weeds are grown in less number.
 Erosion of soil does not take place.
 Evaporation of soil in drip irrigation is minimum.
Advantages of Drip Irrigation
No runoff of water and fertilizer.
Seed germination is improved.
Soil infiltration capacity is also improved.
Recycled water can be used.
Easy to install.
Labor and operational cost are low.
Can be used in irregular shaped fields.
Disadvantages of Drip Irrigation

 Initial setup cost of drip irrigation system is very high.

 Direct sunlight reduces the life span of the tubes used for supplying water.
 Problems in moisture distribution.
 Improper filtration may cause clogging.
 Salinity problem.
 Requires high skill for installation and maintenance.
 Flushing of tubes is required periodically.
Evaluation:

 If you were to choose one type

of irrigation for your farm, what
would you choose and why?
Assignment:

Bring the following materials;

• Oslo Paper
• Ruler
• Pencil