Types &

Classes of
Irrigation
Systems
Dr. Muhammad Anwar Baig
Prof & HoD Env. Science
12th Feb, 2012

NECESSITY OF
IRRIGATION
Throughout the crop period
adequate quantities of water is
required near the root zone of
the plants for their growth
Insufficient Rainfall
Uneven Distribution of Rainfall
Improvement of Perennial Crops
Development of Agriculture in
Desert Area

Irrigation is
artificial application of
water
to the root zone of the
crop
at right time
in required quantity
for optimum crop yield.

FUNCTIONS:
1.Supplies moisture to the soil essential for,
germination of seeds and chemical and
bacterial processes during plant growth.
2.Cools the soil and the surroundings thus
making the environment more favorable
for plant growth.
3.Washes out or dilutes salts present in the
soil.
4.Softens the clods and thus helps in tillage
operations.
5.Enables application of fertilizers.
6.Reduces the adverse effects of frost on
crops.
7.Ensures crop success against short
Normally natural Plants can grow with basic
duration drought.
requirements
like Forests but to have better and
earlier we need additional

Irrigation
What?
artificial application of water
Where to apply?
to the root zone of the crop
When to apply?
at right time
How much to apply?
in required quantity
What for?
for optimum crop yield

ADVANTAGES OF
IRRIGATION

Stabilised Yield of Crops

Protection from Famine
Improvement of Cash Crops
Prosperity of Farmers
Source of revenue
Navigation
Hydroelectric Power Generation.
Water Supply
General Communication
Development of Fishery

DISADVANTAGES

Rising of Water Table

Formation of Marshy Land
Dampness in Weather
Loss of Valuable Lands