LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

AGRICULTURAL CROP PRODUCTION 3RD QUARTER WEEK 3

Irrigation Systems and Components
Irrigation is a system composed of different components. Each of these
components performs a specific task; however, collectively they have the same
purpose-to deliver water required by the crops.

Irrigation Systems
There are many methods of applying water to the field. The simplest one
consists of bringing water from the source of supply, such as a well, to each
plant with a bucket of water or water can. This is a very time-consuming
method and involves quite a heavy work. However, it can be used successfully
to irrigate small plots of land, such as vegetable gardens that are in a
neighborhood of a water source. More sophisticated methods of watering are
used in larger irrigation systems.
These are the three basic methods:
Surface Irrigation – surface irrigation is the application of water to the fields
at ground level. Either the entire field is flooded or the water is directed into
furrows or borders.
1. Furrow irrigation. Furrows are narrow ditches dug on the field
between the rows of crops. The water runs along them as it moves
down the slope of the field. The water flows from the field ditch into
the furrows by opening up the bank or dyke of the ditch, or by means
of syphons or spiles. Siphons are small curved pipes that deliver
water over the ditch bank. Spiles are small pipes buried in the ditch
bank.
2. Border irrigation. In border irrigation, the field to be irrigated is
divided into strips called borders or border strips by parallel dykes or
border ridges.
3. Basin Irrigation. Basins are horizontal, flat plots of land, surrounded
by small dykes or bunds. Banks prevent the water from flowing to the
surrounding fields. Basin irrigation is commonly used for rice grown
on flat lands or in terraces on hillsides.

Sprinkler Irrigation – With sprinkler irrigation, artificial rain is created. The

water is led to the field through a pipe system in which the water is under
pressure. The spraying is accomplished by using sprinkler heads or spray
nozzles.

Drip Irrigation – In drip irrigation, also called trickle irrigation, the water is led
to the field through a pipe system. On the field, next to the row of plants a tube
is installed. At regular intervals a hole is made in the tube and equipped with
an emitter. The water is supplied slowly, drop by drop, to the plants through
these emitters. This is considered as the most efficient irrigation system.
Major Components of Irrigation Systems
Surface irrigation is the simplest of all irrigation systems. It only requires few
components for it to function however; this system is only applicable to fields
where water is abundant and readily available for irrigation use. On the other
hand, sprinkler and drip irrigation need more components for it to function. A
basic irrigation system has 5 components as follows:
1. Water source – This could be well, irrigation pond, reservoir, irrigation
ditch, river etc.
2. Pump – Depending on location and volume/ pressure requirements this
can vary.
3. Backflow prevention – This prevents any foreign material, fertilizer or
contaminants from flowing back into the water source. The simplest form
of backflow preventer is a check valve. Check valves prevents the water
in the suction hose from flowing back to the source.
4. Filter – there are varying types of filters, but all serve to remove
particulates from the water that could clog or damage the pump
impellers.
5. Distribution lines – This move water from the source to the location of
the application.
Loading and Unloading of Irrigation Components
Loading and unloading materials are activities which heighten the chance of
workplace injuries. Some of the most common workplace injuries related to
vehicle loading and unloading includes:
1. Sprains and strains from improper handling of cargo
2. Crushing injuries caused by colliding with a forklift, truck, falls from loading
docks, or falling stock materials.
3. Bruises and cuts.
4. Spinal injuries from improper loading, unloading, falls or being crushed.
5. Head trauma from falling cargo

Loading and unloading cargo can be a dangerous activity. It is always a good

idea to have documentation which communicates proper procedures that keep
employees safe. This simple checklist below will help reduce the risks:

A. Ensure vehicle is stopped, braked, and stabilized before loading/unloading.

B. Loading areas should be well lit at all times.
C. Loading areas should be free from hazards.
D. Loading area should be free of traffic.
E. Ensure loads are secured and arranged before transport.
F. Workers should learn proper techniques.
IMPORTANT DIRECTION: PLEASE WRITE YOUR ANSWER IN A SEPARATE
SHEET.

POST ASSESSMENT

ACTIVITY A. Enumerate what is being asked in the following statements:

Six Things that is included in the checklist of loading and unloading of
materials.
1.___________________________________
2.___________________________________
3.___________________________________
4.___________________________________
5.___________________________________
6.___________________________________

ACTIVITY B. Directions: Write the word TRUE if the statement is true and write
the word FALSE if the statement is false.
________1. The most important thing to consider when loading and unloading
materials is the price of the irrigation component.
________2. Loading and unloading of irrigation component is a hazardous
activity.
________3. Multitasking is during loading and unloading should be encourage
to minimize labor cost.
________4. When loading and unloading of irrigation components it is good to
ensure that the place is well lit.
________5. The proper way of lifting heavy objects is by using your back instead
of your legs.