IRRIGATION TECHNIQUES AND THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF GROUNDWATER IN IRRIGATION

Abstract

Agribusiness is the backbone of any country because it is necessary for the survival of living things. One of the most important processes for growing crops is the water system. Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the land or soil; it is the replacement or supplementation of water with another source of water; it is used in arid regions and during periods of insufficient precipitation; it is regarded as an essential infrastructure and vital input needed for agrarian production. The main purpose of irrigation systems is to help agrarian crops and vegetation by using the least amount of water possible, maintaining landscapes, and re-vegetating disturbed soils. Water management strategies are the key of sustainable use of ground water and farmers can use it to lessen the footprints in agriculture. Aim of sustainable irrigation is to reduce water scarcity and environmental damage to protect the soil from erosion. Surface irrigation techniques include flow irrigation, lift irrigation, free or uncontrolled flooding, broad strip irrigation, ring irrigation Basin flooding method is prominently used for orchard plants. Drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation are widely used techniques in India to conserve water. Drip irrigation having advantages of lowest seepage and evaporation losses, possess drawback of extensive piping network causing obstacles in farming, whereas sprinkler irrigation is typically employed in fields with irregular topography and permeable soil. In rice farming it is not applicable but it keeps the crops cool during summer and shield crops from frost damage during winter. In India irrigation system also aids in production of hydroelectric electricity. Irrigation is though crucial for agriculture it may results in nitrous seeping into the ground water table which could have detrimental consequences including blue baby syndrome.