Authors: Grace Yu; Sources: CDC, Unsplash

Irrigation Methods

INTRODUCTION

Irrigation is a process that is used to water crops efficiently. Irrigation systems are usually designed to cover a lot of surface area when watering.

“Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the soil through various systems of tubes, pumps, and sprays. Irrigation is usually used in areas where rainfall is irregular or dry times or drought is expected. There are many types of irrigation systems, in which water is supplied to the entire field uniformly.” — CDC

 

ACTIVITY

Irrigation Simulator

Materials: Spray bottle, small water gun // Duration: 5 minutes

  • Fill spray bottle and small water gun with water

  • Spray water with spray bottle

  • Spray water with water gun

  • The water being sprayed from the spray bottle covers more surface area than the water gun (water gun sprays a direct stream of water)

  • The spray bottle is the more efficient irrigation method

LESSON

According to the CDC, there are many different types of irrigation. These methods include surface irrigation, localized irrigation, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and many more. Every method has its pros and cons, but they all exist to deliver water to their intended destination.

 
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