The process through which water is applied to plants through controlled amounts is referred as irrigation. The water is availed at the plants in intervals since the irrigation process requires proper handling and wastage free process. Irrigation is common in areas that receive little amounts of rainfall. Irrigation is core in maintaining the countryside view and structure.
Under agricultural purposes, irrigation is used to reduce growth of weed. Soil hardness and improper firmness can be greatly reduced through use of irrigation. Irrigation is mainly applied in the agricultural and crop production, but it is also used in livestock production for cooling livestock bodies. Irrigation helps reduce and control dust. Irrigation in mining can be done to soften the rocks and also reduce the dust in the mining areas. Sewage disposal can also be done through irrigation. Irrigation is actually a form of drainage, which include eradication of water on a particular surface.
Different countries and different cultures have integrated the use of irrigation through different methods. Irrigation in all countries using irrigation is geared towards ensuring continuous crop production and hence the country is able to sustain its citizens through sufficient food security. Countries receiving less amounts of rainfall or rather the arid and semi-arid countries have from the many past years used irrigation. The practice of irrigation have also developed throughout the ages due to the rise in irrigation technology. Water is being supplied to the dry areas of different countries through the proper utility and exploitation of the water bodies available in the country.
The types of irrigation depends on the method of water supply to the crops. The amount of water supplied to plants is dependent on the water consumption needs of the plant. Some plants vary in the consumption level including plants that entirely require water for growth like rice and sugarcane. Among the oldest type of irrigation is the surface irrigation. Irrigation to the farming land is done through furrows. Flooding may result especially when the soil has received enough water. Countries with sufficient and large water bodies mainly use the surface irrigation.
Other types of irrigation include the micro irrigation which can also be known as the trickle irrigation. There is the use of pipes and water is distributed in low amounts at a certain pattern. Drip type of irrigation involves low amounts of water which are commonly drops being applied to crops through sprinklers and sprays. Irrigation strategies are well initiated in destinations like the irrigation in Yakima.