Water Application Methods - Practices of Irrigation and On-farm Water Management - page 63

2.4.2 Selection Procedure
To choose an irrigation method, the farmer must know the advantages and disad-
vantages of the various methods. He or she must know which method suits the local
conditions best. Unfortunately, in many cases, there is no single best solution: all
methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Testing of the various methods
under the prevailing local conditions provides the best basis for a sound choice of
irrigation method. Based on the local soil, climate, crop and water availability, and
the suitability and limiting criteria of the methods (described in earlier sections, and
also summarized in Table 2.1 ) , the irrigation engineer will prescribe the appropriate
method for the particular area.
Relevant Journals
- Irrigation Science
- Agricultural Water Management
- Irrigation and Drainage System
- Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Division, ASCE
- Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers
- ICID Bulletins
- Agronomy Journal
Questions
(1) What are the different methods of applying water to crops?
(2) Describe in brief the characteristic features, suitabilities, and limitations of the
following irrigation methods: (a) Border, (b) Basin, (c) Furrow, (d) Sprinkler,
(e) Drip, and (f) Trickle.
(3) Describe the factors influencing selection of an irrigation method.
(4) Compare different irrigation systems in relation to site and different situation
factors.
(5) As an irrigation engineer, you are asked to advise regarding irrigation method
in a new irrigable farming area. What points will you consider and what steps
will you follow to materialize your job.