Steem-agro Contest: "Basic Knowledge in Agriculture 60

Season greeting.

This is the artificial application of water to the soil to supplement insufficient rainfall. This is however practice in areas where there is lack of rainfall.

The can be classified into three main types: subsurface irrigation, surface irrigation and overhead irrigation systems.

This type of irrigation system, water is applied below the soil surface by maintaining an artificial water level at certain depth. It however depends on the types of crop and nature of the soil. In all cases, perforated pipes are used to deliver water within the soil, this water get to the roots of crops through capillary action.

This is the process where water from rivers, dams or streams flows along the surface of the land to the farm land. This could be in form of flood, basin, channels,etc.

Overhead irrigation is the process where water is sprayed from the air allowed to fall on the ground surface.

1. It does not create obstruction or obstacles when carrying out cultural practices.
2. It reduces salt concentration in the root zone.
3. It can be used for all crops except tree crops like cocoa.
4. Soluble fertilizers and herbicides can be applied through the irrigation water.
5. It helps in the removal of excess water caused by heavy rainfall especially in heavy soils.
6. It also ensures low evaporation losses from soils.

1. It requires high power to produce the high pressure needed to pump water into pipes.
2. High wind velocity may prevent distribution of water.
3. It cannot be practised where the land is hilly.
4. Water which has a high salt content cannot be used.
5. It cannot be practised in sandy soil.
6. The volume of water, especially in flooding, may be difficult to control.
7. It requires some level of expertise or technical know-how.

I to invite @alli001, @abdullah79 and @kidi40 to take part in this contest.

Thanks.