(a) (i) Define the term irrigation (ii) Mention two types of irrigation (b) Discuss briefly six problems association with irrigation.
(a) (i) Irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops or vegetation through artificial means to improve their growth and productivity.
(ii) Two types of irrigation are:
Surface irrigation: This method involves the application of water directly to the soil surface, either by flooding the field or by furrows or channels that direct the water to the plant roots.
Sprinkler irrigation: This method involves the application of water through a system of pipes with nozzles that spray the water in the form of a mist or rain over the crop.
(b) There are several problems associated with irrigation, including:
Salinization: Over time, the buildup of salts in the soil due to excessive irrigation can lead to a decrease in soil fertility and crop productivity.
Waterlogging: Poor drainage can result in the accumulation of water in the soil, which can reduce crop yields and even cause root damage or death.
Erosion: Poorly designed irrigation systems can result in soil erosion and loss of topsoil, which can lead to reduced crop yields and even soil degradation.
Groundwater depletion: Overuse of groundwater for irrigation can lead to a decrease in the water table, which can cause wells to dry up and reduce the availability of water for other uses.
Energy consumption: Irrigation systems can require large amounts of energy to pump water from its source to the fields, resulting in high costs and environmental impacts.
Water pollution: Runoff from irrigated fields can contain chemicals and fertilizers that can pollute nearby waterways and harm aquatic ecosystems.
Overall, while irrigation can be an effective means of improving crop yields and supporting agriculture, it is important to design and manage irrigation systems in a sustainable way to minimize these negative impacts.
Answer Details
(a) (i) Irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops or vegetation through artificial means to improve their growth and productivity.
(ii) Two types of irrigation are:
Surface irrigation: This method involves the application of water directly to the soil surface, either by flooding the field or by furrows or channels that direct the water to the plant roots.
Sprinkler irrigation: This method involves the application of water through a system of pipes with nozzles that spray the water in the form of a mist or rain over the crop.
(b) There are several problems associated with irrigation, including:
Salinization: Over time, the buildup of salts in the soil due to excessive irrigation can lead to a decrease in soil fertility and crop productivity.
Waterlogging: Poor drainage can result in the accumulation of water in the soil, which can reduce crop yields and even cause root damage or death.
Erosion: Poorly designed irrigation systems can result in soil erosion and loss of topsoil, which can lead to reduced crop yields and even soil degradation.
Groundwater depletion: Overuse of groundwater for irrigation can lead to a decrease in the water table, which can cause wells to dry up and reduce the availability of water for other uses.
Energy consumption: Irrigation systems can require large amounts of energy to pump water from its source to the fields, resulting in high costs and environmental impacts.
Water pollution: Runoff from irrigated fields can contain chemicals and fertilizers that can pollute nearby waterways and harm aquatic ecosystems.
Overall, while irrigation can be an effective means of improving crop yields and supporting agriculture, it is important to design and manage irrigation systems in a sustainable way to minimize these negative impacts.