Q. What is the importance of available soil moisture in irrigation water management?

10 marks
A. The availability of soil moisture plays a crucial role in irrigation water management; the
importance is explained under following heads:
1. Efficient Water Use: Monitoring available soil moisture helps optimize irrigation practices,
ensuring the efficient use of water resources. It enables farmers to apply water when and
where it is most needed, reducing water wastage.
2. Crop Water Requirements: The knowledge of soil moisture levels helps determine the
irrigation schedule based on the specific water needs of different crops. It ensures that plants
receive adequate moisture for optimal growth and development.
3. Preventing Water Stress: Adequate soil moisture availability prevents water stress in plants.
Water stress negatively affects plant health, leading to reduced crop yields and lower quality
produce. Monitoring soil moisture allows for timely irrigation interventions to avoid such
stress.
4. Water Conservation: By monitoring soil moisture, farmers can avoid over-irrigation, which
can result in water runoff and leaching of nutrients, pesticides, and fertilizers into water
bodies. Conserving water through proper irrigation management is essential for sustainable
agriculture.
5. Nutrient Management: Soil moisture content influences nutrient availability and uptake by
plant roots. By monitoring moisture levels, farmers can regulate the timing and application of
fertilizers, ensuring that nutrients are efficiently utilized by crops.
6. Disease and Weed Control: Soil moisture affects the incidence and severity of certain
diseases and weed growth. Maintaining optimal soil moisture levels helps minimize the risk
of disease outbreaks and supports effective weed management strategies.
7. Soil Health and Structure: Adequate soil moisture promotes favourable soil conditions,
including improved soil structure and nutrient cycling. It enhances microbial activity and root
development, leading to healthier soils and better overall crop productivity.
8. Waterlogging and Drainage: Monitoring soil moisture helps prevent waterlogging, which
occurs when the soil becomes oversaturated with water. Excess water can impede root
respiration and lead to oxygen deprivation, adversely affecting plant growth. By managing
soil moisture, farmers can mitigate waterlogging issues and improve drainage.
9. Irrigation Efficiency Assessment: Soil moisture monitoring allows farmers to evaluate the
efficiency of their irrigation systems. By comparing water inputs with soil moisture
measurements, they can identify areas of water loss or system inefficiencies and make
necessary adjustments.
10. Water Resource Planning: Knowledge of soil moisture levels helps in water resource
planning at the regional or watershed level. By understanding soil moisture patterns,
authorities can make informed decisions regarding water allocation, conservation measures,
and sustainable water management strategies.
Overall, soil moisture is a critical factor in irrigation water management as it ensures optimal water
use, supports plant health, conserves water resources, and contributes to sustainable agricultural
practices.