What Is Agricultural Irrigation?

Surface irrigation

Agricultural irrigation is an ancient practice that is still used today around the world. Many croplands are irrigated without consideration for efficiency. However, there are several key features that should be considered when designing surface irrigation systems. The goal is to maximize the application of water to the field while reducing the volume of runoff. The proper design of surface irrigation systems takes into consideration soil type, slope, and stream size. It also should guarantee uniform irrigations and high water application efficiencies.

Surface irrigation is a broad class of irrigation methods that distribute water by gravity flow. These methods range from border irrigation to uncontrolled flooding to basin irrigation. Depending on the situation, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. The efficiency of each method depends on a number of factors, including the size and shape of the field, the initial cost of the system, the soil type, and the climate. Generally, the efficiencies of surface irrigation systems are estimated to be around 60 percent. However, efficiency can be increased by precise land grading and by optimizing irrigation timing.

Surface irrigation is an ancient practice that has been adapted to a variety of crops. Ancient developments have been modernized in many regions, including North and Central America, Europe, and the Mediterranean basin. However, some of these ancient developments have been replaced by more modern systems, such as mechanized systems.

Surface irrigation systems are dependent on the initial cost of the system and the availability of water. They are also affected by external factors, such as climate and social structures. Inefficient systems are often the result of insufficient upstream water supply and inadequate farm management. This paper will explore the various causes of inefficiency in surface irrigation systems.

The earliest surface irrigation developments were developed around 6,000 years ago. These methods are now used on crops including rice and soybeans. The majority of the systems are mechanized, although some manual systems are still used by small land holdings. These systems use piped cutlets for basins and outlets for furrows.

Some of the basic structural elements of a surface irrigation system include basins, piping, outlets, and drainage. These structures distribute the flow of water onto the field, stabilize the water level, and remove debris and sediment. These structures also help control the flow of water and manage energy. The structures should be easy to construct and manage, and should be standardized for mass production.

The most common surface irrigation models include BORDEV and SIRMOD. These models calculate the overland flow equations accurately and quickly. A number of software packages have also been developed to simulate surface irrigation hydraulics. Some of these tools are available on the internet.

Surface irrigation systems are also affected by external factors, including climate, social structures, and the size of the field. These factors can cause inefficiencies, but a surface irrigation system will generally operate below its potential. The best efficiency is expected to be achieved when balancing deep percolation and surface runoff. However, this is not always possible. Infiltration rates vary greatly from one soil to another and can be unpredictably high. This can result in excessive waterlogging, which may lead to reduced crop growth.