What is irrigation?

Irrigation or irrigation is supplementary watering in areas where natural rainfall is insufficient. Irrigation plays an important role in developing crops and increasing their yields.

Classification of irrigation systems

In agricultural practice, there are four main types of artificial irrigation of fields.

Surface irrigation

This irrigation system of farming assumes the distribution of water naturally, in accordance with the law of gravity. Surface soil irrigation does not require sophisticated and innovative technologies, but requires large quantities of water resources. Therefore, surface irrigation of fields depends on the type of soil and is only feasible if its infiltration capacity is low: it is applicable for clay soils and ineffective for sandy soils.

Surface irrigation is carried out in several ways: flood irrigation, furrow irrigation and strip irrigation.

Flood irrigation

This method involves building embankments around the perimeter of the plot and flooding it. The water stays on the surface of the field for a long period of time. This irrigation system is mainly used for rice cultivation, but is also suitable for wheat. Flood irrigation is used in flat areas and the surface is further leveled if necessary.

Furrow irrigation

In furrow irrigation, water fills long trenches that are at a level higher than the crops being grown. Water flows down the rows by the law of gravity or is delivered through siphon tubes and valves.
furrow irrigation

Strip-till irrigation

In this irrigation system, water is applied by running water over the strips using siphon tubes or valves, as in furrow irrigation.

Sprinkler irrigation

Crops are sprayed with automatic irrigation systems or manually operated equipment. Sprinkler irrigation systems are fixed for a set period of time or are in the field permanently, with the ability to move and rotate sprinklers. Sprinklers vary in head strength and droplet diameter, depending on nozzles and nozzles.

This irrigation system is not universal and is not suitable for irrigating some crops, as large droplets and high water pressure can damage plants, especially during flowering and pollination. In addition, sprinkler systems become clogged with insoluble particles that enter the system and damage the equipment. Water distribution in sprinkler irrigation depends on wind speed and direction.

Drip irrigation system

What is a drip irrigation system and how does it function? Water is delivered in droplets through a thin ribbon installed along the rows, which is why this irrigation system is called a drip irrigation system. A significant advantage of drip irrigation is the reduction of water consumption because the drops are delivered under low pressure directly to the crop. In addition, moisture deficit in rainfed areas prevents weed development. The absence of weeds saves nutrients in the soil.

Drip tapes are damaged by machinery and clogged if insoluble particles enter the system. If the applied substances are water-soluble, irrigation and fertilization can be combined. This method is known as fertigation.
drip field irrigation.

Underground drip irrigation

Water flows through the irrigation pipe and drip tape to the roots of the plants below the soil surface. As with above-ground drip irrigation, this system is characterized by minimal water consumption. In addition, because the water is delivered underground, it does not evaporate.

Intra-soil drip lines are damaged not only by insoluble particles, but also by plant roots, rodents, as well as by the movement of machinery and field cultivation.

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Robotics and automation are used to automate production processes and reduce manual labor. Automation can be used to detect potential problems, such as food contamination, in real time and alert farmers for immediate action. Automated systems can also be used to monitor field conditions and ensure proper irrigation and fertilizer application for optimal yields.

Robotics and automation also provide more efficient ways to harvest crops. Automated harvesting systems can detect ripe fruits and vegetables and pick them faster and more accurately than humans. Automated harvesters can also reduce food waste by picking only ripe fruits and vegetables and leaving the rest.

Robotics and automation are also being used to improve food transportation by automating the loading and unloading of food. Automated systems can detect the weight and size of products, ensuring that the right amount of food is transported and safely stored.

Using robotics and automation, farmers can raise food safety standards and improve production efficiency. Automated systems can detect potential problems in real time and alert immediate action, while automated pickers can reduce food waste and automated transportation systems can ensure that the right amount of food is transported safely and reliably. With the support of new technologies, farmers can maintain higher food safety standards and create more efficient operations.

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One of the most popular automation and robotics solutions for farmers is drones. Drones are being used to scout fields and monitor crop health, identify weeds and pests, and even deliver targeted pesticide applications. Drones are also being used to assess the health of livestock, allowing farmers to quickly identify and treat any health issues.

Robots are also being used to automate various aspects of agriculture, such as planting, weeding and harvesting. Autonomous tractors and other machines are used to reduce labor costs and increase efficiency. These machines can also operate safely in all weather conditions, which increases the amount of work accomplished in a single day.

The use of automation and robotics also helps farmers save resources such as water, fertilizer, and energy. Automated precision farming systems are used to monitor crop conditions and adjust inputs accordingly, reducing the amount of resources needed to produce a crop.

The use of automation and robotics in agriculture continues to grow and evolve. As these technologies become more advanced and affordable, they are becoming more accessible to farmers of all sizes. Automation and robotics are revolutionizing the way food is produced and helping farmers become more efficient, reduce costs, and grow better crops.

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