Irrigation systems

Good day, hope you all are well.

why is irrigation necessary for agriculture?

https://pixabay.com/photos/irrigation-agriculture-farm-7262563/

• irrigation helps in the distribution of fertilizers and also to maintain soil fertility.

• it ensures water supply especially in areas with insufficient rainfall because crops require enough water for growth.

• In times where drought occurs or there is irregular weather, irrigation prevent crop failure by providing necessary water supply.

• Irrigation allows farmers to grow multiple crops in a year thereby increasing productivity and profit that he will gain from the crops.

Explain how rainwater harvesting can supplement irrigation?

https://pixabay.com/photos/barrel-rainwater-water-watering-4430883/

Rainwater harvesting systems is the storing of water from rain in tanks or ponds and the stored water is used during dry season or when irrigation systems faces shortage.
By using the rainwater harvesting method,farmers can reduce excess reliance on water from ground, preserve it for critical times and also prevent depletion.Rainwater harvesting reduces the need for expensive water source.During drought rainwater which has been stored acts as a supplement by providing continuous water supply for crops.

Compare drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.

https://pixabay.com/photos/tractor-water-agricultural-vehicle-5096163/

https://pixabay.com/photos/irrigation-agriculture-sprinkle-588941/

Drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation are different ways in which water can be supplied to crops,their comparations includes;

• Water Efficiency
  Drip Irrigation is totally water efficient because water is supplied directly to the roots of the plants thereby reducing evaporation.

Sprinkler Irrigation is less efficient than drip irrigation because water is sprayed over a large area and this leads to higher evaporation.

• capital and cost
  Drip Irrigation requires higher capital because there is need for pipes and systems of filtration though there is lower cost of operation.

Sprinkler Irrigation requires lesser capital and lesser cost of operation but it requires pumps and rotating sprinklers.

• Energy Usage
  Drip Irrigation requires lesser energy because water is delivered at low pressure.

Sprinkler Irrigation requires more energy to pump water because it is meant to be sprayed effectively and it is delivered at higher pressure.

• Crop Suitability
  Drip Irrigation is more suitable for crops that are planted widely and not closely.

Sprinkler Irrigation is suitable for closely planted crops like wheat.

I am inviting @muhammad-amad @santamorillo @sureway044 @tahispadron.