Question

What is irrigation? Describe two methods of irrigation which conserve water.

Answer 1

The supply of water to crops at regular intervals is called irrigation. The time and frequency of irrigation varies from crop to crop, soil to soil and season to season.
Two methods of irrigation which conserve water are :-

1. Sprinkler irrigation : It has perpendicular pipes, having rotating nozzles on the top, joined to the main pipeline at regular intervals. When water is allowed to flow through the main pipe under pressure with the help of a pump, it escapes from the rotating nozzles. Sprinkler is very useful for lawns, coffee plantation and several other crops.

2. Drip irrigation : In this system, the water falls drop by drop directly near the roots. So, it is called the drip system. It is the best technique for watering fruit plants, gardens and trees. This technique is commonly used in regions where the availability of water is scarce.