Spot irrigation, also known as localised irrigation, is a method of irrigation that distributes water in a very specific and targeted area. This method is best suited for small or irregularly shaped fields and for crops that are sensitive to waterlogging. As the name suggests, the method is characterised by the frequent application of small amounts of water, which is usually distributed through a piped network and applied with very low pressure. One of the most well-known adaptions of this method is the “drip irrigation” technique.
This method is not only used to supply water to the crops but also to deliver the ideal quantities of nutrients to the plants. This is done by providing the necessary nutrients to the plants, according to the phases of growth, at the right time and directly to the
plant’s roots. The use of drip irrigation allows farmers to save resources by applying water and nutrients in a very precise way. The water and nutrients are delivered to the plants in small and controlled doses, which results in minimal water and nutrient
wastage. Additionally, the water and nutrients are delivered directly to the roots of the plants, which helps to improve the efficiency of the water and nutrient uptake. The use of drip irrigation has been shown to increase crop yields and improve the overall health of the plants. It is especially useful in areas where water is scarce, as it allows farmers to make the most efficient use of their resources.
Furthermore, it is useful for farmers who grow plants with specific nutrient requirements, as it allows them to deliver the necessary nutrients to the plants at the right time, which helps to improve the overall health of the plants and increase crop
yields.
Sub-Irrigation
Sub-irrigation, also known as subsurface irrigation or groundwater irrigation, is a method of irrigation that involves applying water directly or below the crop root system. This method is based on the principle of capillary rise, which is the movement of water through small spaces, such as soil pores, to reach the roots of the plants. One of the main advantages of sub-irrigation is that it allows farmers to apply water in a controlled and precise way.
By installing a pipeline system below the soil at an ideal depth (usually between 5 and 50cm), farmers can artificially control the wet bulb or saturation zone, which is the zone of soil that is saturated with water. This method is particularly useful in
commercial greenhouses, where farmers need to maintain a consistent and optimal level of moisture for their crops. By using sub-irrigation, farmers can ensure that their crops have access to a consistent supply of water, which helps to improve their growth and overall health. Additionally, this method is also useful for farmers who grow crops in areas where water is scarce. Sub-irrigation allows farmers to make the most efficient use of their water resources by applying water directly to the roots of the plants, which helps to minimise water wastage and improve crop yields.
In addition, sub-irrigation is useful for farmers who grow crops with specific water requirements. By applying water directly to the roots of the plants, farmers can ensure that their crops have access to the right amount of water at the right time, which helps
to improve the overall health of the plants and increase crop yields. Sub-irrigation is a useful irrigation method that allows farmers to apply water in a controlled and precise way, which helps to improve the growth and overall health of the crops and increase
crop yields.
In conclusion, the choice of irrigation method depends on the specific requirements of the farm. For example, surface irrigation is best suited for flat and relatively level lands with good permeability and water-holding capacity, whereas sprinkler irrigation is best
suited for hilly and uneven terrain. In addition, the irrigation method also depends on the availability of resources, such as water and energy, and on socioeconomic conditions such as labour availability and cost. Therefore, it is important for farmers to carefully consider all of these factors when choosing the appropriate irrigation method for their farm. The use of different irrigation methods in permaculture can help farmers to maximise crop yields and the efficiency of the farm. With the ability to choose the
right irrigation method according to the specific requirements of the farm, farmers can make more informed decisions about irrigation and water management, leading to more sustainable and profitable agricultural operations.