Concept in Definition ABC

In the period neolithic, humans began to master agricultural techniques and thanks to this the first settlements and the development of the different civilizations of antiquity were possible. In all agricultural activity it is necessary to use an irrigation system, since plants need water to survive.

The different irrigation modalities depend on three factors essential: the weather, the characteristics of the soil and the type of plants of culture. Other elements are equally important, such as the humidity of the atmosphere, the intensity of light and the wind.

The water potential

In most plants the circulation of water begins when the roots absorb the water and transport it to the leaves. This process is called water potential. Irrigation is an activity that consists, in short, in providing the soil and plants with the necessary water to promote their development. Keep in mind that the same amount of water is not needed for a plant that is beginning to grow as for one that is already developed.

Most common methods

The furrow system consists of moving the water by the effect of gravity. This modality does not require Energy extra to provide movement to the water, since the slope of the furrow facilitates this task.

Irrigation by flooding is a fairly primitive modality and is practically not used, since it requires large amounts of water.

The sprinkling technique consists of providing water in the form of rain through a device. This version is typically used in uncovered areas for maintenance of pastures, vegetables and some grains, as well as for the maintenance of garden areas.

The nebulization mechanism is used in greenhouses and the drip mode is characterized by the optimization of the water resources with small flows of water at low pressure (this procedure is common in the cultivation of citrus or stevia).

The cannon procedure is valid for large areas, for the cultivation of pastures or for corn.

Necessary infrastructure

In the different systems mentioned it is necessary to use some technological tools. Thus, in agricultural holdings there is a structure of pipes and hoses and an electric pump that provides the necessary water to the crops.

Hydraulic pumps that work with a combustion engine or an electric motor allow the water to circulate precisely for each type of crop.

Fotolia photos: itsajoop / markobe