gen-define-irrigation-methods-and-give-one-short-worked-example-7967

Define irrigation methods and give one short worked example.

# Irrigation Methods **Irrigation methods** are techniques used to artificially apply water to soil to support crop growth in areas where rainfall is insufficient or unreliable. ## Common Methods: 1. **Surface Irrigation** - Water flows over the soil surface by gravity (furrow, basin, border irrigation) 2. **Sprinkler Irrigation** - Water sprayed through the air like artificial rain 3. **Drip Irrigation** - Water delivered directly to plant roots through emitters 4. **Subsurface Irrigation** - Water applied below the soil surface 5. **Center Pivot** - Rotating sprinkler system moving in circles --- ## Worked Example: Drip Irrigation Design **Problem:** A farmer has a 1-hectare tomato field. Each plant needs 4 liters/day. Plants are spaced 0.5m × 0.5m. Calculate daily water requirement. **Solution:** - Field area = 1 hectare = 10,000 m² - Plant spacing = 0.5m × 0.5m = 0.25 m² per plant - Number of plants = 10,000 ÷ 0.25 = **40,000 plants** - Water per plant = 4 liters/day - **Total daily water requirement** = 40,000 × 4 = **160,000 liters/day** or **160 m³/day** If drip system operates 8 hours/day: - **Flow rate needed** = 160,000 L ÷ 8 hours = **20,000 L/hour** or **5.56 L/second**