Have you ever heard of an irrigation system? If yes, then great, and if not, don’t worry. Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the soil through different systems of pumps, tubes, and sprays. Irrigation is used when rain and natural water sources are insufficient to provide plant water and in areas where rainfall water is not regular. Let’s discuss about irrigation system in detail below!
What is an Irrigation System?
An irrigation system is the artificial application of water to the soil through different systems of tubes, pumps, and sprays. There are many types of irrigation systems to supply water where drought or irregular rain is expected. In some types, water is supplied to the whole field uniformly. In others, water is applied to the designated root zone via drippers.
Water Source and Management
Irrigation water can come from springs, groundwater, wells, surface water, lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. It can also come from other sources, such as desalinated water or wastewater. Farmers must minimise contamination and overuse while protecting their water sources. As with any groundwater removal, users of irrigation water must be careful. They must not pump groundwater out of an aquifer faster than it is being filled again.
Food Security
With a growing population around the world and the high demand for food, the farming industry must be able to meet those demands. Without irrigation, this is impossible. To ensure food security, farmers have to adopt the most advanced technologies, namely fertigation and irrigation.
Now let’s discuss the types of irrigation systems.
Types of Irrigation Systems
Surface Irrigation Systems
Surface irrigation, also referred to as furrow or flood irrigation, is the traditional method. It involves the distribution of water over the soil surface using gravity. This method is divided into three subcategories: border irrigation, furrow irrigation, and basin irrigation. In order to consider this method, the plot or field has to be levelled or surfaced. Many sites are not suitable to be irrigated this way.
The extremely low water use efficiency of flood irrigation is great for use for its low cost. or flooding tends to bring the crop to extremes. When flooded, the field gets saturated, and anoxia conditions are often formed.
Overhead or Sprinkler Irrigation Systems
A sprinkler irrigation system allows the application of water under high pressure via a pump. It releases water-like rainfall through small-diameter nozzles in the pipes. The water is spread through a system of pipes into the air.
It is like a mimic of natural rainfall but provides water through a system of pumps, sprinklers, and pipes. It has further types such as fixed sprinkler systems, rotary sprinklers, travelling sprinklers, drip-sprinkler hybrid systems, and centre pivot systems.
Drip Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation system in which water is released directly into the soil through. Drip irrigation is the most effective method for irrigation of properly installed, designed, maintained and operated.
It consists of different components channelling water from its source, pressurized water source, or pumping it. It reduces the water losses to runoff or evaporate by providing more efficient and targeted irrigation. This results in increased water conservation and also improves the growth of the plant.
Subsurface Drip Irrigation Systems
A subsurface drip irrigation system is an advanced irrigation method where water is delivered directly to the root zone of plants. The water is supplied through buried emitters or drip lines. This system minimizes water loss due to runoff and evaporation. The drip tubes are installed below the surface in depth, and the emitters slowly release water to the roots of the plants.
Moreover, it prevents clogging from debris or soil particles. If you want to enable automation and monitoring, then integrate with sensors to optimise water usage. It has a high initial cost, and fixing leaks is tougher.
Irrigation system in the context of construction
Irrigation systems are used to manage and supply water for various purposes, including soil compaction, dust suppression, and plant watering. For construction water supply, companies use sprinkler, surface, or drip irrigation methods.
What Are The Key Components of Irrigation Systems?
Water source: The origin of water for the irrigation system, like a pond, well, or municipal water supply.
Pipes: Pipes are used to supply water from the source to the application points.
Pump: A pump is crucial to fit water from a source, particularly if it is from a pond or well.
Valves: Valves are also used to control the flow of water.
Sprinkler emitters/ heads: These are the devices that provide water to the desired areas.
Irrigation controller: A controller can automate the irrigation process.
Benefits of Irrigation System in Construction
Irrigation can help to control dust, which is a common issue in construction sites. Water can help to compact soil, which is important for creating a stable foundation.
Irrigation systems are crucial for watering plants and landscapes on construction sites. Moreover, if it is properly designed and marinated, it can save water and also reduce costs.
Lastly,
Irrigation systems are now being used widely to ensure water supply to large areas like agriculture and construction and development sites. Each method from traditional surface irrigation to advanced subsurface drip systems, each method has its best benefits to specific needs. Proper water management not only increases the growth of the plants but also conserves resources, making irrigation the best factor in sustainable development. As technology advances, advanced irrigation systems help to control the damage and manage the water supply efficiently.
