Irrigation is the method in which a controlled amount of water is supplied to plants at regular intervals for agriculture.

In simple words, it is when people supply water to plants to help them grow when there is not enough rain. Irrigation water can be pumped from rivers, lakes and wells or allowed to flow to the fields by the force of gravity along pipes or open canals.

Types of Irrigation

The methods in agriculture are Surface, Sprinkler, Drip, Center pivot and manual irrigation.

1. Surface

In surface irrigation, water moves over and across the land by simple gravity flow to wetland and infiltrate the soil.

2. Sprinkler

It’s a popular method, which pipes with a set amount of water to the fields and then sprays it directly over the crops with high-pressure sprinklers.  The benefit is that the amounts of water can be controlled.

3. Drip

With this type, water is delivered at or near the root zone of plants, drop by drop. This method is the most water efficient of irrigation.

4. Center pivot

It involves a self-propelled system in which a single pipeline moves on wheeled towers in a circular pattern.

5. Manual

This type uses buckets or watering cans. It is a  common method used in our backyard farms.