The methods by which water is distributed on the surface of the soil within the companies can be classified into traditional methods and modern methods. The former require a preventive superficial arrangement of the agricultural land and do not entail onerous problems of the plant type as often happens with the most modern methods; in the latter cases the water is transferred to the plants by means of piped networks, for the sizing of which it is necessary to have basic hydraulic knowledge.
The choice of the most appropriate method and the definition of the company network depends on the species and crop organization adopted in the company, on the climate and rainfall regime, on the volume and quality of the water available, on the purpose that with irrigation you want to achieve, from the physical characteristics of the soil and the morphology of the soil.
Traditional methods
The method by sliding, by submersion, by superficial or underground infiltration is considered traditional.
Modern methods
More recently, the simple or mechanized sprinkling method (rain irrigation) in which water is distributed in the form of rain and the drip irrigation system (micro-irrigation) have found wide application.
Simple sprinkling
In simple sprinkling methods, the water is distributed over the entire surface of the ground in the form of rain by means of suitable devices called sprinklers. The distribution of water is done through a network of suitably sized pressurized pipes.
Rain irrigation
In irrigation by mechanized sprinkling, the water is distributed, always in the form of rain, through the aid of machines. While used machines are costly, overall, unit costs per hectare are relatively low. Among the most popular irrigation machines we have:
Advantages and disadvantages of sprinkler irrigation
There are numerous advantages linked to the irrigation technique by sprinkling, to which there are some disadvantages that will be listed below.
Advantages
- A preventive land arrangement is not necessary
- It is possible to irrigate steep soils with a slope< 20%, for land with higher slopes it is possible to resort to terracing
- It is possible to correctly dose the water with consequent reduction of waste and increase of irrigation efficiency
- Possibility to automate the systems
- Multi-purpose uses (heat treatments, pesticides, chemigation injection, etc.)
Disadvantages
- High installation costs
- Compaction of the soil, due to the impact of water droplets on the ground. To avoid the formation of the superficial crust it is necessary to resort to superficial working of the soil called weeding, which among other things also have the function of breaking the preferential water ascent routes (rising capillary channels) through which the water rises. enhancing the phenomena of evaporation of water from the soil
- Erosive phenomena that occur mainly in steep soils
- Development of weeds
- Long duration of watering
- Employment of specialized personnel
Related topics
Link
Irriworks Srl (software to design irrigation systems)
