TBLU - Irrigation (Lesson)

Irrigation

Supplying water for agricultural purposes is called irrigation. It allows areas that would otherwise be dry and unusable for agriculture to become fertile and productive. However, if the land is over-watered, it can become waterlogged, a condition in which soil becomes saturated or oversaturated, and the water table rises. The excessive water can ultimately suffocate plant roots, compact soil, and lead to salinization. Salinization occurs when salts accumulate on the soil's surface it leaves behind the salts that were once dissolved in it. This salinization can reduce crop productivity. Salinization is more common in arid regions where there is limited precipitation, but it can occur from over-irrigation and waterlogging.

It is imperative that plants receive proper drainage and that only the necessary amount of water is used for irrigation. Crops should be planted in areas with appropriate rainfall. Crops that require large amounts of water should not be planted in areas with minimal natural water sources. If irrigation is needed, the use of low-salt water is preferable. Water efficiency can be accomplished by using modern irrigation systems. For example, drip irrigation allows water to drip directly onto plants, as opposed to mass spraying of water onto an entire field.  

Sustainable Agriculture

Learn more about various methods of sustainable agriculture.

 

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