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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Kimberly, Idaho » Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #149907
Title: IRRIGATION METHODS

Author
item Bjorneberg, David - Dave
item Sojka, Robert

Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/17/2003
Publication Date: 10/27/2004
Citation: Bjorneberg, D.L., Sojka, R.E. 2005. Irrigation methods. In: Hillel, D., editor. Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment. Oxford, U.K.: Elsevier Ltd. p. 273-280.

Interpretive Summary: Irrigation enhances the magnitude, quality and reliability of crop production. About 30% of the world's food is grown on irrigated land which is only 15% of the world's crop production land. Various irrigation methods have been developed over time to meet the irrigation needs of certain crops in specific areas. The three main methods of irrigation are surface, sprinkler and drip/micro. Water flows over the soil by gravity for surface irrigation. Sprinkler irrigation applies water to soil by sprinkling or spraying water droplets from fixed or moving systems. Microirrigation applies frequent, small applications by dripping, bubbling or spraying. No irrigation system is best for all situations. Each system has advantages and disadvantages that make it more or less desirable specific field, climate, water and crop conditions.

Technical Abstract: Irrigation enhances the magnitude, quality and reliability of crop production. About 30% of the world's food is grown on irrigated land which is only 15% of the world's crop production land. Various irrigation methods have been developed over time to meet the irrigation needs of certain crops in specific areas. The three main methods of irrigation are surface, sprinkler and drip/micro. Water flows over the soil by gravity for surface irrigation. Sprinkler irrigation applies water to soil by sprinkling or spraying water droplets from fixed or moving systems. Microirrigation applies frequent, small applications by dripping, bubbling or spraying. No irrigation system is best for all situations. Each system has advantages and disadvantages that make it more or less desirable specific field, climate, water and crop conditions.