Definition of irrigation, necessity, advantages, and disadvantages
Definition of irrigation, necessity, advantages, and disadvantages.
Irrigation is a fundamental pillar of civil engineering and agriculture, specifically focusing on the controlled application of water to land to assist in the production of crops.
Definition of Irrigation
Irrigation is the artificial process of applying water to the soil or land through various systems of tubes, pumps, and sprays. It is typically used in areas where rainfall is irregular or dry spells are expected, ensuring that crops receive the necessary moisture for growth during their entire life cycle.
Necessity of Irrigation
In many regions, relying solely on natural rainfall is risky for large-scale agriculture. Irrigation becomes necessary due to:
Inadequate Rainfall: When the total rainfall is less than the water requirement of the crops.
Uneven Distribution: When rain occurs only in specific months, but water is needed year-round (e.g., for Rabi crops).
Growing High-Yield Crops: Modern "High Yielding Variety" (HYV) seeds often require more frequent and timely watering than traditional seeds.
Commercial Crop Production: Crops like sugarcane, tobacco, and cotton require a constant water supply that nature alone cannot guarantee.
Drought Proofing: To protect against the complete failure of crops during unexpected dry seasons.
Advantages of Irrigation
Beyond just keeping plants alive, a well-planned irrigation system offers several socio-economic benefits:
| Category | Advantage |
| Crop Yield | Significant increase in food production and protection against famine. |
| Revenue | Provides a source of income for the government through water taxes. |
| Hydro-power | Large irrigation dams can also generate electricity. |
| Groundwater | Seepage from unlined canals can help recharge the local water table. |
| Inland Navigation | Large canals can sometimes be used for transporting goods. |
| Mixed Cropping | Allows farmers to grow multiple types of crops in the same year (Multiple Cropping). |
Disadvantages of Irrigation
If not managed scientifically, irrigation can lead to environmental and structural issues:
Water Logging: Excessive irrigation can cause the water table to rise to the root zone, drowning the plants and making the land infertile.
Salinity: When water evaporates from the soil surface, it leaves behind salts. Over time, this leads to "efflorescence," where the land becomes alkaline and unfit for farming.
Health Hazards: Stagnant water in canals or over-irrigated fields can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to diseases like Malaria.
Pollution: Runoff from irrigated fields often carries chemical fertilizers and pesticides into natural water bodies or groundwater.
Cost: Initial construction of dams, reservoirs, and canal networks requires massive capital investment and regular maintenance.
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