Surface Irrigation:
Surface irrigation is mainly divided in basin, border and furrow systems. It is widely utilized and therefore, a well-known system, which can be operated without any high-tech applications. In general, it is more labor intensive than other irrigation methods. Proper design of surface irrigation systems takes in to account the soil type (texture & intake rate), slope, levelness of field, stream size and length of run. It is generally more difficult to obtain high uniformity of water distribution in long fields on coarse textured soils (gravel & sands) than on fine textured soils (loams to clay). Levelling the fields and building the water ditches and reservoirs might be expensive, but once this is done, costs are low and the self-help capacity is very high.
Drip irrigation:
Drip irrigation is the most efficient water and nutrient delivery system for growing crops. It delivers water and nutrients directly to the plant’s roots zone, in the right amounts, at the right time, so each plant gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it to grow optimally. Farmers can produce higher yields while saving on water as well as fertilizers, energy.
Water and nutrients are delivered across the field in pipes called “dripperlines” featuring smaller units known as “Drippers”. Each dripper emits drops containing water and fertilizers, resulting in the uniform application of water and nutrients direct to each plant’s root zone, across an entire field.
Sprinkler Irrigation:
Sprinkler irrigation system allows application of water under high pressure with the help of a pump. It releases water similar to rainfall through a small diameter nozzle placed in the pipes. Water is distributed through a system of pipes, sprayed into air and irrigates in most of the soil type due to wide range of discharge capacity.
Center pivot irrigation:
A center pivot irrigation system is a movable pipe structure that rotates around a central pivot point connected to a water supply. Center pivot irrigation systems are the most popular sprinkler irrigation systems in the world because of their high efficiency, high uniformity, ability to irrigate uneven terrain, and low capital, maintenance and management costs.
Lateral move irrigation:
The Lateral Move is best known for what the name suggests: lateral moving. The channel feed system is a labor and energy saver, no hose shift and minimum operation pressure. This solution is well suited for a high flow Lateral Move when the grade of the paddock is relatively level allowing the construction of an open air channel.
Sub-irrigation system :
In commercial landscaping and container gardening, a sub-irrigation system is located at the bottom of the box or container. During sub-irrigation, water is applied to the bottoms of the plants and allowed to travel upwards to the roots and stems through capillary action. Because it does not require a lot of space, this type of irrigation system is often used in urban settings or high-rise buildings.
A sub-irrigation system is essentially a series of pipes and drip emitters buried beneath a plant’s growing medium, and water is pumped to the bottom of the container, where roots find it and uptake it. This is opposed to traditional overhead watering systems, where water is applied to the tops of roots, and flows downwards.
Manual irrigation:
Manual irrigation systems are very simple, but effective methods for making water available to crops. Manual irrigation systems are easy to handle and there is no need for technical equipment. But it is important that they are constructed correctly to avoid water loss and crop shortfall. The systems allow for high self-help compatibility and have low initial capital costs. They can be used in almost every area, but they are especially adapted for arid areas where evaporation rates are high.