Category Archives: Irrigation

Hydrauilics, Irrigation

Furrow Method of Irrigation – Definition, Types and Advantages

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The furrow method of irrigation is a method of laying out water channels in such a way that gravity provides just enough water for suitable plants to grow. It is typically formed through the deliberate placement of ridges and furrows. The furrow method of irrigation is one of the surface irrigation methods. Straight furrows and contour furrows are subdivisions. I will explain the important details about each of them. Also, we will find out the types methods and advantages of furrow irrigation in the blog.

So, without any due let’s look into the basics of the furrow method of irrigation.

  1. What is the Furrow Method of Irrigation?
  2. Furrow spacing for crops
  3. Types of Furrow Method of Irrigation
    1. Straight furrow
    2. Contour furrow
  4. Construction of furrow method of irrigation
  5. Advantages of furrow irrigation

What is the Furrow Method of Irrigation?

In this section, you will get the answer to what is furrow irrigation. The furrow method of irrigation is a method of laying out water channels in such a way that gravity provides just enough water for suitable plants to grow. It is typically formed through the deliberate placement of ridges and furrows.

Furrow Method of Irrigation- One of the Types of Surface Irrigation
Furrow Method of Irrigation- One of the Types of Surface Irrigation
  • The furrow method of irrigation is very much used for row crops like maize, jowar, sugarcane, cotton, tobacco, groundnut, potatoes etc.
  • In this method, only one-half to one-fifth of the surface is wetted, and thus evaporation losses are very much reduced
  • A furrow consists of a narrow ditch between rows of plants.

Let’s dig deep now.

Basically, furrow lengths range from 3m or less for gardens to 500 m for field crops, with 100 to 200 m being the most common. If the furrows are too long, deep percolation losses and soil erosion near the upper end of the field may occur. Furrows are typically provided with slopes that range from 0.2 to 6%. Accordingly, to ensure surface drainage, a minimum furrow grade of 0.05% is required.

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Furrow spacing for crops

Furrow spacing for corn, potatoes, sugarcane, and other row crops is determined by the proper spacing of the plant rows, with one irrigation furrow provided for each row. But in the case of In orchard irrigation, furrow spacing is kept between 1 and 2 metres. If the spacing is kept more, it is essential to check the distribution of moisture after each watering by auger boring.

Generally, It is more effective if the spacing is increased. Accordingly, if the spacing is maintained, it is crucial to auger bore after each watering to assess the moisture distribution. Furrow depths in low-permeability soil can range from 20 to 30 cm. When irrigating root crops, it is critical to have furrows that are deep enough and streams that are small enough that water does not come into contact with the plant. Generally, furrows for row crops like cotton, tobacco, and potatoes are typically 25cm wide and 8 to 10cm deep.

That’s it about the general details of the furrow method of irrigation. Let me show you the types now.

ALSO READ: Check flooding and Border strip methods of irrigation

Types of Furrow Method of Irrigation

Depending upon the alignment, furrows may be of two types.

  1. Straight furrow
  2. Contour furrow

Straight furrow

  • Straight furrows are used where the land slope is nominal.
  • These are aligned more or less along straight lines parallel to each other and along the slope of the land.
  • These are normally adopted where the slopes do not exceed 0.6%.

Contour furrow

  • Contour furrows are practically laid along the contours. Therefore, these are not straight but are curvilinear in the plan.
  • With contour furrows irrigation, the direction of flow is across a sloping field rather than down the slope to reduce water velocity.
  • The furrows are laid out with enough grade to carry the irrigation streams. Head ditches are run across the slope or downhill using drop structures as needed, to feed the individual furrow.
  • The contour furrows method can be successfully used in nearly all irrigable soil.
  • Light soils can be irrigated successfully across sloped up to 5 per cent. Where the soils are stable and will not be cultivated, slopes up to 20 per cent can be irrigated by contour furrowing.

ALSO READ: Rainwater Harvesting Methods: Everything You Need To Know

Stored the details in the brain, right? Let me walk you through the construction method of furrows now.

Construction of furrow method of irrigation

Furrow Irrigation
Furrow Irrigation
  • Furrows are made before planting, at the time of planting or after the plants have grown large enough not to be covered up.
  • The time of furrowing depends upon the crop grown and the method of planting used.
  • Often young plants are irrigated by small furrows until a good root system is developed. Thereafter, the furrow is made larger.
  • The furrows at any stage must be large enough to carry the water needed for irrigation.
  • In most soils, crops are grown on the top of the ridge while in deep sand, it is better to have the seeding near the bottom of the small furrow.
  • An alternate method specially adapted to sandy soils is to transplant vegetables in the furrow, irrigate it once or twice and then establish furrows between the rows after plants have grown larger.
  • Furrows are made with various cultivating tools depending on the type of crop to be grown.
  • Large furrows are normally made with a double mould board plough or lister.
  • A wooden plough with furrower attachment can also be used in place of listers. Disc-drum corrugator furrower is very useful to make small size furrows in sandy soil.

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Time to have some positivity. The advantages of the furrow method of irrigation are given in the next section.

Advantages of furrow irrigation

irrigating plants -Furrow method
Irrigating plants

In furrow irrigation, water contacts only 1/5 to ½  of the land surface, reducing pudding and crusting of the soil. Losses due to evaporation are also reduced. Evaporation losses are also reduced. Previously, cultivation is possible in heavy soil and can be adapted to use without erosion on a wide range of natural slopes by carrying furrows across a sloping field rather than down the slope. It is especially beneficial for crops that have been harmed by water contact. Similarly, Labor requirements for land preparation and irrigation are drastically reduced. Moreover, field ditches do not waste any land.

Liked the concept of the furrow method of irrigation? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

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Happy learning!

Hydrauilics, Irrigation

Controlled Flooding- 6 Types| Free Flooding| Basin Flooding

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Types of flooding is an important topic in irrigation engineering. It’s mainly divided into three. Surface irrigation, subsurface irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.

Free flooding, basin flooding, flooding by contour laterals, zigzag method of flooding, border strip flooding and check flooding are the 6 types of controlled flooding which is a subcategory of surface irrigation. I will show you all the details about them in the blog.

Before that, let’s peep into the hierarchy of methods of controlled irrigation.

Methods of Controlled Flooding
Methods of Controlled Flooding

Let me walk you through the basics of controlled flooding in the next section.

What is controlled flooding?

In controlled flooding, water is spread or flooded on a rather smooth flat land, without much control or prior preparation. This method is generally used in the inundation irrigation system in which water is forced to spread over vast tracts during the season of high streamflow.

It is a wasteful use of water and is practised largely where irrigation water is abundant and inexpensive.

We will see each of them in detail now.

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Free flooding or flooding from field channels

Free Flooding
Free Flooding

Free flooding method consists of dividing the entire land to be irrigated into small strips by a number of field channels known as laterals.

  • These laterals may be either at right angles to the sides of the field, or at right angles to the contour lines as shown in figures.
  • When the laterals are aligned at right angles to the sides of the lateral, irrigation is possible only to one side of the lateral. However, when the laterals are aligned at right angles to the contours, irrigation is done to both the sides of the lateral.
  • The field channels receive water from the supply channel and discharge excess water in the waste channel.
  • Water is applied to the strip of a land through feeding points provided at some interval along the laterals.
  • This method of water application can be used both for flat lands as well as for relatively steep lands. The alignment and spacing of the laterals depends upon the type of soil and topography of land.
  • If the slopes are steeper, the closer spacing of laterals is required. Similarly, closer spacing is required for relatively more permeable soils.
  • For flat land and for relatively less pervious soils, the spacing of the laterals may be increased. Normally the spacing of the laterals may vary from 10 to 50 metres.
  • However, the method is more suited for irrigation fields containing medium type soil and having slopes ranging from 1 in 100 to 1 in 300.

Let’s find out about the next method of controlled flooding.

Flooding by contour laterals

Flooding by Contour Laterals
Flooding by Contour Laterals

This is a special case of free flooding in which the field channels or laterals are aligned approximately along the contour lines.

This method is applicable to steeper terrain.

The field is cut by a relatively dense network of small contour laterals, the spacing of which depends upon the prominent grade of field between two adjacent ditches or laterals, the uniformity of slope and the soil type.

I have explained the details of border strip flooding and checks basin flooding in previous blogs. So, let’s move on to the next member.

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Basin Flooding

Basin Flooding
Basin Flooding

The ring basin flooding is a special form of check basin flooding adapted to orchards.

  • Ring basins are formed for each tree; in some cases, one ring basin may be formed for two or more trees.
  • Water is supplied to these basins through a supply ditch. In some cases, a number of ring basins are interconnected.
  • Portable pipes or large hoses may also be used in place of ditches.

Last, but not the least let me explain about final method of controlled flooding.

Zigzag method of controlled flooding

Zig Zag Method of Flooding
Zig Zag Method of Flooding

It is special method of flooding where water takes circuitous route before reaching the dead end of each plot.

  • The whole area is divided into a number of square or rectangular plots; each plot is then subdivided with the help of low bunds or levees.
  • This method is suitable for relatively level plots. It is, however, highly unsuitable for farming operations with modern farm machinery.

That’s it about the methods of controlled flooding.

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I hope you got a fair idea about free flooding, basin flooding, flooding by contour laterals and zigzag method of flooding.

Happy learning!

Hydrauilics, Irrigation

Check flooding and Border strip methods of irrigation| Types of surface irrigation

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Check flooding and border strip method are two types in surface irrigation, one of the major methods of irrigation. In the blog, we are going to learn everything about these two with figures.

Before we begin, let’s look at the classification of surface irrigation. Check flooding and border strip method are two that comes in the bottom. I will surely cover other main categories in another blog.

Figure shows methods of irrigation
Methods of surface irrigation

We saw the hierarchy of methods of surface irrigation. Let’s jump right into the first method which is border strip method.

Border strip method in detail

The diagram below shows border strip method.

Figure shows border strip method
Diagram showing border strip method

Border strip method is otherwise called border strip flooding method. The main points regarding this are,

In the border strip flooding method, the farm is divided into a series of strips 10 to 20 metres wide and 100 to 300 metres long.

These strips are separated by low levees or borders and run down the predominant or any other desired slope.

To irrigate, water is turned from the supply ditch onto the head of the border. Water advances confined and guided by two borders in a thin sheet towards the lower end of the strip.

The surface is essentially level between two borders so that the advancing sheet of water covers the entire width of the strip.

The lengthwise slope varies from 0.2 to 0.8 %. The border strip should be level cross wise.

Cross slopes within border strips cause water to concentrate along the lower side of the strip causing uneven irrigation.

This method is especially suited to forage crops,its advantage being that for a relatively low investment a system can be developed which can afford the highest irrigation efficiency and lowest labour requirements.

With highly mechanised farming, large area can be irrigated within a short time by border strip method. The length of border strip depends upon how quickly it can be wetted over its entire length. This depends upon,

  • Infiltration rate of the soil
  • Longitudinal slope of the land
  • Size of irrigation stream available

The following lengths are suggested for moderate condition

Type of soil of border stripLength
Sandy soil or sandy loam   60- 90m
Medium silt loam90-150
Clay loam or clay soil  150- 300
Length of border strip with type of soil

The first 6 to 12m length of the strip should be made level to ensure uniform spreading of water. Water is diverted to the border strips from the following

Warth or concrete ditches

These run at a flat longitudinal grade. The water is discharged into the strips via border gates, aluminum syphons or plastic piping

Underground concrete pipes through risers

In this method, water is let into the strips by concrete risers

That’s it about border strip method. Let me walk you through check flooding now.

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Check flooding

The diagram given below shows check flooding.

Figure shows check flooding
Check flooding

The method is also known as irrigation by plots since the entire area is divided into several plots obtained by subdividing the entire area by levees

Moving on to the main details,

  • Check flooding is similar to free flooding except that the water is controlled by surrounding the check area with low, flat levees surrounding each check while in free flooding no such levees are provided and the strips are divided by field channels.
  • Each plot is practically level. The size of levee depends upon the depth of water to be applies as well as the stability of the soil when it is wet.
  • Water is conveyed to the land by a system of supply channels a swell as laterals.
  • Usually, there is one field channel for every two rows of plots. Water is admitted to these plots at the higher end and the supply is cutoff as soon as the lower part of the plot has received the sufficient depth of water.
  • Oblong plots are preferred to the square plots. The size of the plots depends on the porosity of the soil.
  • In a levelled ground, the plots are generally rectangular, but if the ground has same initial slope, the checks or levees may follow contours.
  • Contour checks are prepared by constructing ridges along contours at vertical intervals of 6 to 12 cm and connecting them with cross ridges at intervals.
  • Very little crop land is perfectly level, and the water does not stand at a uniform depth over the entire check. This results in uneven distribution of water within the plot.
  • Low area will receive too much water and high gets too little. 
  • The size of check basins is dependent on the infiltration rate. It may vary from 1m2 for growing vegetables and other intensive irrigation to 1- 2 hectares for growing rice under wet land conditions.
  • However, the more common size varies from 0.03 to 0.06 hectares for medium soils. The size of stream should be sufficient to cover the entire basin in a relatively small portion of time required

So, that was the main details on check flooding.

Also read: Innovative Water Conservation Methods Unlocked.

What are your thoughts on border strip method and check flooding? Let me know that in the comments.

Hydrauilics, Irrigation

Methods of Irrigation- 3 Methods Full Guide

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Methods of irrigation is an important portion in hydraulics. There are mainly three methods- surface irrigation, subsurface irrigation and sprinkler irrigation. Subsurface irrigation is again divided into natural sub-irrigation and artificial sub-irrigation.

Before selecting a particular method, the irrigation engineer must evaluate all the factors, and choose that method which is best suited to the local conditions.

Basic requirements for adaptation of irrigation methods

  • The method should be such that uniform water distribution with as small as 6cm water depth applications can be made for light irrigation
  • At the same time, it should afford a heavy uniform application of 15 to 20 cm water depth.
  • It should allow the use of large concentrated water flows for reduction of conveyance losses, and labour cost.
  • It should be suitable for use with economical conveyance structure.
  • It should be such that mechanized farming is facilitated

Good irrigation method results in increased yield and conservation of resources with soil productivity maintained and water utilised economically. Over irrigation results in soil erosion, leached fertilizers, drainage troubles and salt accumulation.

Basic methods of Irrigation

Water may be applied to the crops by through three basic methods of irrigation.

  • Surface irrigation method
  • Subsurface irrigation method
  • Sprinkler irrigation method

Let’s dive into through each of them now.

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Surface irrigation method- Largest among methods of irrigation

Surface irrigation is a method of irrigation where water is applied and distributed over the soil surface due to gravity. It is the most common form of irrigation throughout the world and has been practised in many areas.

Surface irrigation is also known as flood irrigation, which means that water distribution is uncontrolled. So, it will be inefficient. Some of the irrigation practices grouped under this name involve a large degree of management. Surface irrigation is mainly of three types.

  1. Flooding method
  2. Furrow method
  3. Contour farming
Surface Irrigation classification

We shall discuss about each of the subdivisions in another blog. Now, come with me to shake hands with subsurface irrigation.

Subsurface irrigation method

The sub surface irrigation method consists of  supplying water firectly to the root zone of the crop. The favourable conditions for the sub surfacr irrigation practice are

  1. Impervious sub soil at reasonable depth (2 to 3m) or existence of high water table
  2. Permeable soil such as loam or sandy loam in the root zone of the soil
  3. Uniform topographic conditions
  4. Moderate slopes
  5. Good quality irrigation water

If all these favourable conditions are fulfilled and if proper precautions are taken to prevent alkali accumulation or excess water logging, the method results in exonomical use of water, high crop yield and low labour cost in preparing the irrigation plots.

Subsurface irrigation may be of two classes

  1. Naural sub irrigation
  2. Artificial sub irrigation
Sub surface Irrigation classification

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Next, let’s know more details about these methods of irrigation shown in the diagram.

1. Natural sub irrigation

In natural sub irrigation, water is supplied to the root zone of the plants by controlling the level of local water table, such a high level of water table in the area may be available due to water seeping from earthen canals, drains, rivers, etc.

The main points in natural sub irrigation are,

  • In order to ensure the requisite supply of water to the root zone, its is essential to maintain the desired water level by artificial means.
  • For this purpose, water is supplied to a series of ditches half to one metre deep and 25 to 50cm wide having vertical sides.
  • These ditches are spaced from 15 to 100m apart depending upon the Permeability_of_sub soil and topography of land.
  • The depth of ditches may vary from 0.3 to 0.5m These channels have relatively flat slopes.
  • Water flows at a slow rate and seeps into the ground to maintain the water table at a height such that water from the capiliary fringe is available to the vrops.
  • Proper drainage of excess water is permitted, either naturally or with the other drainage works to prevent water logging of the fields.
  • Sometimes the upward capiliary water flow from shallow water table may produce saline and alkali conditions and may make the land less productive.
  • Under such circumstances, the subsurface irrigation method has to be discontinued and irrigation has to be resorted by sprinkling method.

Next member is artificial sub irrigation method. What are we waiting for? Let me give you more details on that.

2. Artificial sub irrigation

The artificial sub irrigation method consists of supplying water diretly to the root zone of crops through a network of buried perforated pipes. Water is made to pass under pressure, through these underground perforated pipes.

This method is suitable only for those soils formations which have high horizontal permeability to permit free lateral movement though the root zone of the crops and low vertical permeability so that deep percolation losses are minimised.

The pipe are buried 0.3 to 0.4m deep, so that cultivation operations are not hindered, an are spaced  0.4 to 0.5m horizontally, for uniform distribution of water.

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Its time to meet the last member, sprinkler irrigation.

Sprinkler irrigation

figure shows sprinkler irrigation
Sprinkler Irrigation

The sprinkler irrigation method consists of applying the water in the form of a spray, somewhat as in ordinary rain, as is done in the garden lawn sprinkling.

The greatest advantage of sprinkler irrigation is its adaptabilities to use under conditions where surface irrigatin methods are not efficient. The method is more useful where,

  1. The land cannot be prepared for surface methods
  2. Slopes are excessive
  3. Topography is irregular
  4. Soil is erosive
  5. Soil is excessively permeable or impermeable
  6. Depth of soil is hallow over gravel or sand

In this system, the cost of land preparations and permanent water delivery system of channels or conduits is less. However, there is large initaial investment in the purchace of the pumping and sprinkling equipment.

Sprinkler system can be classified under 3 heads.

  1. Permanent system
  2. Semi-permanent system
  3. Portable system
Sprinkler Irrigation Classification

Earlier, stationary overhead perforated pipe installations were used. However, with the introduction of lightweight steel pipes and quick couplers, a portable sprinkler system was developed.

In the permanent system, pipes are permanently buried in such a way that they do not interfere with tillage operations.

In the semi-permanent system, the main lines are buried while the laterals are portable. A portable system has both portable mains lines and laterals. These systems are designed to be moved from around the farm from field to field.

A pump usually lifts the water from the source, pushes it through the distribution system and through the sprinkler nozzle on the sprinkler heads mounted on rising pipes attached to the laterals. Turbine and horizontal centrifugal pumps are used.

So, that’s it about methods of irrigation. Was that helpful to the knowledge seeker in you?

Hydrauilics, Irrigation

Types of Irrigation- Flow and Lift Irrigation Full Details

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Types of irrigation are mainly divided into two- Lift irrigation and flow irrigation. Flow irrigation is further divided into perennial and inundation irrigation. Inundation irrigation is again subdivided into three. They are direct irrigation, storage irrigation and combined System. We are going to meet the huge family in the blog.

Irrigation is mainly two types.

  • Flow irrigation
  • Lift irrigation

The figure below is a schematic diagram showing the types of irrigation.

Types of irrigation
Types of irrigation

Let’s get into each of them in detail.

Flow irrigation- Major among types of irrigation

Flow irrigation is that type of irrigation in which the supply of irrigation water available is at such a level that it is conveyed on to the land by the gravity flow. Flow irrigation is divided into three types.

  • Perennial irrigation system
  • Inundation or flood irrigation system

So, what are these? Relax. We will take one at a time and learn.

Perennial irrigation system

In perennial irrigation system, the water required for irrigation is supplied in accordance with the crop requirements throughout the crop storage. Weirs or barrages are required to store the excess water during floods and release it to the crops as and when it is required.

Inundation irrigation

Inundation irrigation is carried out by deep flooding and thorough saturation of the land to be cultivated which is then drained off prior to the planting of the crop.

Depending upon the source from which the water is drawn, inundation irrigation can be further subdivided into 3 types.

  • Direct irrigation or river canal irrigation
  • Storage irrigation
  • Combined System

Now, what? Let’s peep into each of them to make friends with them.

Direct irrigation or river canal irrigation

figure shows direct irrigation
Direct irrigation

We are going to jump right into the details of direct irrigation now.

  • In this direct irrigation system, water is directly diverted to the canal without attempting to store the water. For such a system, a low diversion weir or diversion barrage is constructed across the river.
  • This raises the water level in the river and thus diverts the water to the canal taking off upstream of the weir, as shown in figure.
  • Generally, a direct irrigation scheme is of a smaller magnitude, since there are no rigid controls over the supplies. One or two main canals may take off directly from the river.
  • Cross- drainage works are constructed wherever natural drains or distributary streams cross the canals. In a bigger scheme, there may be branch canal taking off from the main canal

Learnt about direct irrigation, right? Let’s move on to storage irrigation next.

Storage irrigation

figure shows storage irrigation
Storage Irrigation

What are we waiting for? See the basic knowledge about storage irrigation now.

  • In storage irrigation system, a solid barrier, such as a dam or a storage Weir is constructed across the river and water is stored in the reservoir or lake so formed.
  • Depending upon the water requirements of crops, or the hydroelectric power generation, and upon the flow of water in the basin at the site construction, the elevation storage curve for the reservoir is known.
  • The height of the dam is then decided from this curve, corresponding to the storage- volume required.
  • Storage irrigation scheme is comparatively of a bigger magnitude, and involves much more expenditure than a direct irrigation scheme.
  • One or two main canals take off from the reservoir. Due to the formation reservoir, some land property may be submerged to the upstream of the dam.
  • A network of canal system convey water to the agricultural fields, through various regulatory works.
  • Cross-drainage works such as aqueducts, syphon aqueducts, super passages and canal syphons are constructed wherever natural drains cross the canals

Time to meet the last member in flow irrigation system. Who’s that? Of course, combined system.

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Combined System

figure shows combined irrigation
Combined System

We have seen that in the storage irrigation system, water is stored in the reservoir, since the river is not perennial, while in the direct irrigation system, the river is perennial and hence the water is diverted from the river to the canal.

Sometimes, a combined scheme is adopted in which the water is first stored in the reservoir formed at the upstream side of the dam, and this water is used for water power generation.

The discharge from the power house is fed back into the river, to the downstream side of the dam. Thus, sufficient quantity of flow is again available in the river.

At a suitable location in the downstream, a pick up weir is constructed. This weir diverts the water from the river to the canal.

How can we leave the second main among the types of irrigation alone? Shake your hands with lift irrigation now.

Lift irrigation- second among types of irrigation

Lift irrigation is practiced when the water- supply is at too low a level to run by gravitation on to the land.

In such a circumstances water is lifted by mechanical means. Irrigation from wells is an example of lift irrigation, in which sub- soil water is lifted up to the surface and is then conveyed to the agricultural fields.

Now that you know all types of irrigation, how do you choose the right one for your requirement?

Choice between types of irrigation

Direct irrigation scheme is adopted in the circumstances where the river is perennial and has a normal flow throughout the irrigation season, never less at any time than the requirements of the field.

On the contrary, storage irrigation system is adopted when the river flow is either not perennial, or where flow is insufficient during certain parts of the crop season for irrigation requirements.

In a multistage river valley development, a combined storage- cum diversion scheme is more useful.

MUST READ: Innovative Water Conservation Methods Unlocked.

So, loved the article on types of irrigation? Let me know if i missed out anything in the comments.