Categories Of Irrigation Systems Southern NH

By Stephanie Snyder


Crops undergo stress during the drought season or when rainfall is unevenly distributed and to sustain their growth water is applied artificially through sprays, pumps, and pipes. It is usually done constantly or at intervals. To support this, farmers have adopted irrigation systems Southern NH. There are many sources of irrigation water which may include; harvested rainwater, underground or even the surface through reservoirs, rivers, and lakes. Irrigating controls weeds, crop production and preserving landscapes. Before choosing the system farmers should know the different ones that exist.

Water can be applied in the field and distributed over and across the surface. It flows by gravity uncontrolled. As it flows, it infiltrates into the soil for use by crops. This method can be classified into three; basin, furrow and border strip irrigation. At times the land has an overflow. Thus the system is also called flooding. Nevertheless, it also leads to deep drainage and water logging.

Another way is the drip, a form where farmers use valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters on the farm. It is also known as a trickle or micro irrigation. The water is directly applied to the crops root zone or on the soil surface in the form of drops. Fertilizers are also supplied to the plants. Such enhances efficient water use, minimizes evaporation and runoff. The system is used in small scale and large scale farms. However, soil can clog the pipes, and skilled personnel is needed to install and operate.

Sprinkling is another way used. Pipes convey water into the field, and it falls like raindrops through the nozzles. This method can be used in different soil types and landscapes. It helps in preventing frost, soil and crop cooling, efficient and uniform. However, you have to cough some money to install and maintain.

Also, there is a type where pipes are used supported by the motion of towers that are fitted in a row and raised two to four meters high above the surface. It propels itself, and the pipe at the center supplies water, and the crops are watered as the towers are in motion. Thus it reduces tilling of land, and it is effective.

Use of manual watering cans and buckets. The system requires little infrastructure and technical equipment although it is labor intensive. It can only be done on a small piece of land. The land is irrigated where necessary. Thus, it helps in water conservation.

As mentioned earlier, you direct the water below the soil surface at the root area where upward absorption later occurs for growth. It has been widely embraced in places with a raised water table where sugarcane, peppers, and tomatoes are grown. Less labor is required, strong plant growth and irrigating is uniform.

Lateral move irrigation is carried out by fixing a wheel and sprinkler heads on the pipes which apply water over and across the field. You do not require a lot of capital to start it but workforce for changing pipes is crucial and the major drawback of this method.




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