Irrigation Machinery - Enabler Of Agriculture Irrigation Has Played A Vital Role In Agriculture Since Ancient Times By Providing Water

Introduction

Irrigation has played a vital role in agriculture since ancient times by providing water to crops for their sustained growth. With growing populations and changing climate patterns, efficient irrigation has become even more important to ensure food security. Advancements in irrigation machinery have helped boost crop yields while conserving precious water resources. This article explores some key irrigation machinery technologies and their impact.

Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

One of the most widely used irrigation methods today is sprinkler irrigation which distributes water through a system of pipes, pumps and sprinklers. There are different types of sprinkler systems - stationary or mobile, low-pressure or high-pressure. Stationary systems lay out permanent piping and sprinklers which are connected to a water source through pumps. Mobile systems use flexible polyethylene piping that can be moved around farms.

The use of sprinkler irrigation systems has increased manifold over the last few decades due to their low installation cost and high application efficiency compared to gravity irrigation methods. Manufacturers are also developing more advanced sprinklers that deliver droplets of precise sizes to reduce water wastage from evaporation or deep percolation. Variable rate sprinklers are another innovation that allow modifying water application based on soil type or crop water needs.

Drip Irrigation Systems

Drip irrigation, also called trickle irrigation, delivers water directly to plant roots through a network of valves, pipes, tubing and emitters. It is considered one of the most water efficient irrigation methods as water loss due to evaporation, deep percolation or surface run-off is minimized. Drip systems are well-suited for row crops, orchards, vines and greenhouse farming.

Many new drip irrigation technologies have emerged in recent years. Biodegradable drip tapes made from recycled paper or natural fibres are more sustainable than conventional plastic tapes. Precision drip systems use moisture sensors and control valves to monitor soil conditions and apply water only as needed. For smallholder farmers, portable micro-irrigation kits that are easy to assemble and move provide affordable irrigation options. Drip irrigation is poised for significant growth across the globe as water scarcity increases.

Center Pivot and Linear Move Irrigation Systems

Center pivot and linear move Irrigation Machinery  systems have revolutionized large-scale farming since their introduction in mid-20th century. A center pivot irrigation system is a machinery that consists of several segments of pipe connected to a riser pipe located at a central pivot point, from which it rotates around a circular area. Linear move systems have a fixed tower on a linear rails track instead of rotating arms. Water is distributed through spraying nozzles or sprinklers mounted along the pipe.

Today's center pivot and linear irrigation systems use advanced control systems like GPS, precision variable rate technology, and computers to optimize water application and energy use. Sensors help detect wet or dry spots in fields for precise water management. Drought-resistant crops are also being developed that require less irrigation and are suitable for center pivot farming. Overall, center pivot irrigation helps produce more food per drop of water.

Sub-Surface or Drip Tape Irrigation

Sub-surface or drip tape irrigation delivers water below the soil surface through lines of perforated plastic tubing to maximise crop water usage. This technique conserves 30-50% more water than conventional sprinklers. Water is applied slowly to wet the root zone without surface runoff. Drip tapes are now infused with fertilizers or other agriculture chemicals for co-application with irrigation water, improving input efficiency. Sub-surface drip tapes laid at depths of 6-12 inches are suitable for row crops like corn and vegetables. Shallow drip tapes placed 2-4 inches below soil surface or under mulch are effective for orchards and vine crops. As climate change increases, sub-surface irrigation can help farms mitigate water scarcity impacts.

Remote Sensing and Telematics in Irrigation

The confluence of irrigation technology and remote sensing is transforming agricultural water management. Sensors in center pivots or mounted on drones, combined with cloud-based data analytics platforms, provide real-time insights into crop and soil conditions across fields. Infrared and thermal sensors detect plant water stress levels invisible to the human eye. Smart sprinklers integrate flow meters and moisture sensors for automated, on-demand irrigation. Soil moisture probes connected via Internet of Things (IoT) inform variable rate irrigation. Telematics allow remote monitoring and control of irrigation systems from any location. Data-driven precision irrigation is optimizing water-use while improving yields for large-scale as well as smallholder farmers.

Conclusion

From early canals to cutting-edge center pivots, irrigation machinery has supported agriculture growth over centuries. judicious, innovative irrigation solutions will be crucial to meet global food demand amid climate risks and scarce water resources. Technology advances offer hope through efficiency gains, precise application and remote management abilities. Public policy should encourage R&D and adoption of sustainable irrigation practices. As technologies proliferate, their affordability and adaptation to diverse geographies will determine how many farming communities can achieve "more crop per drop". Overall, harnessing the potential of irrigation machinery holds the key to resilience in the face of changing production contexts.

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