IRRIGATION
PERFORM IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE
PRACTICES
• Agricultural irrigation is the application of water to crops
through artificial means. Irrigation is primarily used in
areas with sporadic rainfall or potential drought conditions
to ensure that crop soil receives adequate water for
cultivation. The water utilized in agricultural irrigation can
come from various sources, such as groundwater, rivers,
springs, lakes, wells, or surface water.
BENEFITS OF IRRIGATION
1. Irrigation is insurance against drought.
2. It enables the growing of quick maturing crops.
3. It is a guarantee to the quick germination of seeds.
4. It is a means of securing early maturity on most crops.
5. It increases the quality, attractive appearance, and
yield of crops.
HOW TO MEASURE SOIL MOISTURE
According to Caoili and De Vera (1977), the technical methods
used to measure soil moisture content at periodic intervals
during the growing season are:
1. Direct method by gravimetric with oven drying
The method involves the weighing of the wet
sample, removing the water by oven drying, and
reweighing the sample to determine the amount of water
removed. The percentage of water in the sample on a
dry-weight basis is obtained by dividing the difference
between wet and dry masses by the mass of the dry
sample, and multiplying by 100.
2. Use of tensiometer
Tensiometer measures soil water
content. Water content in the soil is then
obtained from the calibration curve
relating soil suction to water content
values for specific soils.
3. Electrical resistance method
A porous block connected by suitable electrodes to an
ohmmeter is imbedded in the soil. Equilibrium is attained when
water ceases to flow into or out of the block. The electrical
resistance corresponding to the water content at equilibrium is
recorded in the ohmmeter and is regarded as an index of soil
water content.
4. Temporary wilting
When water stress occurs in a plant, cells lose turgidity and
plants show symptoms of wilting. Temporary wilting may occur
at mid-day when water demand reaches its climax, especially
during the hottest months of the year. Soil moisture may really be
adequate but transpiration may outpace water absorption. If this
is the case, the plant will recover by evening. However, if plants
wilt in the morning continuously for 3-4 days, water may indeed
be lacking and the crop must be irrigated immediately.
5. Color of foliage
Not all plant show temporary wilting when water
is limited. Instead, their leaves turned yellowish as in
beans and in some cases bluish green as in eggplants,
as the water is reduced in the soil. Color is also an
indicator of plant variety where there is nitrogen supply
so consider this when analyzing the situation.
6. Rate of growth of the plants
If the rate of growth of the crop is sluggish,
water may not be enough.
7. “Feel of the soil”
Get samples from a depth where most of the roots
occur and try to feel the soil. This depends on the type of
the soil.
TYPES OF SOIL IRRIGATION IS NEEDED
SANDY Appears to be dry, but does not
form a ball when squeezed
LOAM Somewhat crumbly but holds
together
CLAYEY Somewhat pliable, forms a ball,
and is so dry to form ribbon
easily (ribbon is formed
between thumb and forefinger)
8. Sand-cum-soil-mini plot technique
It involves digging a one cubic meter pit in one part of
the field. Mix 5% sand to the soil that has been dug and return
it to the pit. Now the soil has reduced water holding capacity.
The crop including the test plot is planted as usual. The plants
in the test plot will start to wilt 2-3 days ahead of those in the
field. Irrigation must be done when wilting is observed in the
test plot.
DIRECTION: Give the answer that being asked.
1. Give at least 3 benefits of irrigation. (1-3)
2. List down the 3 types of soil. (4-6)
3. Give at least 3 on how to measure soil moisture. (7-10)
