What are the Types of Irrigation?

Over time, many irrigation technologies have evolved to satisfy the specialized needs of crops and land.

Fremont, CA: Irrigation is a method of providing water to plants or crops, which they require as a vital resource for growth. It also helps to give the plants the nutrients they need for development and growth and achieve high yields by allowing roots to penetrate dry regions.

Types of irrigation

Surface irrigation

It is the most common type of irrigation because it uses gravity to distribute water across a field by following the contour of the land. For example, in surface irrigation, water flows downhill from a higher elevation, reaching all crops. It's only feasible if the land area has enough water and is naturally sloped; otherwise, it's very time-consuming. It employs the furrow system, which uses channels to direct water down a slope across a paddock containing crops or plants.

Localized irrigation

Water is delivered to each plant under low pressure for localized irrigation. Water is provided to each plant via tubes or a piped network that runs throughout the field. Because water is applied just around the plant base, the goal of this type of irrigation is only to wet a small area, typically the plant's root zone. The water flow rate is also very low, as it is applied in small amounts regularly, either below or above the soil surface.

Drip irrigation

Drip irrigation, also known as trickle irrigation, is a type of localized irrigation in which water droplets are delivered at a very low flow rate directly to or near the roots of a plant. It is an efficient irrigation method because it reduces evaporation and water runoff. It's also great for all kinds of topography and soils, and it's ideal for areas with limited water supplies or high water costs.

Sprinkler irrigation

Sprinklers are used to irrigate in a way that mimics natural rainfall, as the name implies. The system is set up in such a way that water is applied evenly. Water is distributed from a central location in the field, usually by pumping, using overhead high-pressure sprinklers or guns. Sprinkler irrigation is a type of irrigation that can be used to irrigate lawns, golf courses, crops, and landscapes, as well as for agricultural, residential, and industrial purposes.