5. Low-Cost Irrigation

Rajasthan Polytechnic (BTER) February 27, 2025

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5. Low-Cost Irrigation 💧

Low-cost irrigation methods are designed to maximize water use efficiency and are typically cost-effective, especially for small-scale farmers. These systems focus on reducing water waste, improving water delivery to crops, and enhancing agricultural productivity.

5.1 Design Consideration and Construction 🛠️

5.1.1 Tube-Well 🚰

A Tube-Well is a vertical well drilled into the ground to access groundwater. It is commonly used when surface water like rivers or lakes is unavailable. The water from the underground aquifer is pumped up using a mechanical or electric pump.

Key Design Considerations:

  • Water Table Depth: The depth of the well depends on the depth of the water table. If the water table is deep, the well will need to be drilled deeper.
  • Diameter of the Well: The diameter should be sufficient for the water to flow freely. If the diameter is too small, water extraction will be inefficient.
  • Pump Type: Choose between centrifugal or submersible pumps based on the depth and water requirement.
  • Location: The well should be located in an area with a high yield of groundwater and away from contamination sources.

Example: A farmer in a drought-prone area might install a tube well to irrigate a field of crops like wheat. The well is 40 meters deep, and an electric pump is used to extract the water.

Diagram:

   [Surface Ground]
         |
  [Tube Well] ---> [Pump System] ---> [Water to Irrigation System]
         |
   [Water Table]

5.1.2 Drip Irrigation System 💧🌱

Drip irrigation is a method that delivers water directly to the plant roots using a system of pipes, tubes, and emitters. This system is highly efficient because it minimizes water loss through evaporation or runoff.

Key Design Considerations:

  • Emitter Spacing: Emitters should be spaced to provide water directly at the root zone of plants. Too much spacing leads to inefficient water use.
  • Water Pressure: Low water pressure is ideal for drip irrigation to ensure slow, steady water delivery.
  • Filtration System: Filters are required to avoid clogging of emitters, especially when using untreated water.

Advantages:

  • Water Conservation: Water is delivered directly to plant roots, reducing waste.
  • Weed Control: Water is only supplied where it's needed, preventing weed growth.
  • Efficient Use: Can be used for row crops like tomatoes, fruits, and vegetables.

Example: A farmer uses drip irrigation to water tomato plants in a dry region, reducing water usage by 50% compared to conventional methods.

Diagram:

  [Water Source] --> [Main Pipeline] --> [Sub- pipes] --> [Emitters] --> [Roots]
       |                                     |
       |-------------------------------------|
             Water goes directly to roots

5.1.3 Sprinkler Irrigation System 🌦️🌾

Sprinkler irrigation involves spraying water over crops like rain. This system is often used for large fields and is versatile for a variety of crops.

Key Design Considerations:

  • Pressure: Sprinklers need enough pressure to distribute water evenly. This can be managed with a pump.
  • Sprinkler Types: Various types (fixed, rotating, or traveling) can be used based on field size and crop needs.
  • Spacing of Sprinklers: Spacing should be planned based on the sprinkler coverage area to ensure uniform water distribution.

Advantages:

  • Large Area Coverage: Suitable for fields with larger areas or irregular shapes.
  • Versatility: Can be used for a variety of crops, including lawns and turf.
  • Cooling Effect: Sprinklers can reduce plant temperature during hot weather.

Example: A farmer uses a sprinkler system to irrigate a large maize field. The system consists of a central pump that sends water to rotating sprinklers scattered across the field.

Diagram:

   [Water Source] ---> [Main Pipeline] ---> [Sprinklers]
                         |
                  Water Sprays Over Crops

5.2 Watershed and Catchment Area Development 🌍

A watershed is an area of land where all the water that falls drains into a common outlet like a river or lake. Catchment area development involves activities that aim to conserve water, improve water quality, and control erosion within a watershed.

Problems in Watershed Management:

  • Soil Erosion: If forests are cleared or vegetation is disturbed, the soil can easily be washed away, leading to sedimentation in rivers.
  • Over-extraction of Water: Overuse of water for irrigation, industrial, or domestic purposes can deplete water resources.
  • Flooding: Poor land management can cause excessive runoff during heavy rains, leading to flooding.

Features of Watershed Management:

  • Water Conservation: Techniques like rainwater harvesting and flood management are used to conserve water.
  • Soil Conservation: Planting vegetation or creating structures like bunds prevents soil erosion.
  • Community Participation: It is vital for local communities to manage and protect watersheds.

Example: In a dry region, a community comes together to plant trees on hillsides to prevent soil erosion and ensure the availability of water in rivers during the dry season.

5.3 Watershed Management Structures 🏞️

Various structures can be built within a watershed to manage water flow, reduce erosion, and improve water conservation.

5.3.1 K.T. Weir 🌊

A K.T. Weir (Kolar and Tarai Weir) is a small dam or weir constructed across a stream or river to divert and store water for irrigation purposes.

Purpose: It regulates water flow and helps store water during rainy seasons for use during dry months.

Example: In a village, a K.T. Weir stores rainwater to irrigate fields of crops like rice and sugarcane.

5.3.2 Gabion Structure 🧱💧

Gabions are wire mesh cages filled with stones that are used for controlling soil erosion and stabilizing slopes. They can be placed along riverbanks or hillsides to prevent soil from being washed away.

Purpose: Protects banks of rivers and streams from erosion.

Example: Gabions are placed on a riverbank where water flow is strong to prevent the erosion of the bank.

5.3.3 Cement Plug 🏗️

A Cement Plug is a concrete structure built to block or restrict the flow of water in small streams or gullies.

Purpose: Used to prevent water from flowing out of a particular area, helping to create small ponds for water storage.

Example: A cement plug is built across a small stream to capture rainwater in a farm pond.

5.3.4 Contour Bunding ⛰️

Contour Bunding involves building embankments along the contours of the land to slow down the flow of water and reduce soil erosion.

Purpose: Helps in retaining water and preventing it from flowing downhill too quickly.

Example: A farmer builds contour bunds on a hillside to trap rainwater, reducing water runoff and soil erosion.

5.3.5 Farm Pond 🏞️

A Farm Pond is a small, artificial pond created on a farm to store rainwater for irrigation.

Purpose: Helps in storing water for dry periods and improves groundwater recharge.

Example: A farmer constructs a farm pond on his field to store water during the rainy season and uses it for irrigating crops like vegetables.

5.3.6 Bandhara System 🌊🌾

The Bandhara System is a traditional water harvesting technique in hilly areas, where small barriers or dams are constructed to block and store water.

Purpose: Helps conserve water during the rainy season and is used for irrigation during the dry season.

Example: In the hilly regions of Maharashtra, farmers use Bandhara systems to store water for irrigation.

These irrigation and watershed management techniques are essential for sustainable farming, especially in areas where water is limited or inconsistent. Using these systems, farmers can save water, prevent soil erosion, and improve crop yields. 🌾💦

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Rajasthan Polytechnic (BTER)

Posted by Rajasthan Polytechnic (BTER)

Hi! I’m Garima Kanwar, founder of Rajasthan Polytechnic (BTER). This platform provides notes, PDFs, and video lectures for all Polytechnic branches (ME, CS, EE) and semesters to make learning easy .I ensure exam-focused, updated, and simple-to-understand content, along with academic updates and career guidance.

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