Unit 5: Irrigation Methods and Concepts

Flashcards covering definitions and concepts associated with different irrigation methods and water management.

Furrow Irrigation

A type of surface irrigation where trenches or furrows are dug between crop rows to flow water using gravity.

Flood Irrigation

A type of surface irrigation where the entire field is flooded with water allowing it to soak in evenly.

Surface Drip Irrigation

Emitter lines or tubing lie on the soil surface, watering plant roots directly.

Subsurface Drip Irrigation

Drip lines or tubing buried beneath the soil surface, delivering water directly to the root zone.

Overhead Sprinklers

Spray water from above like natural rainfall; simple but prone to wind drift and evaporation.

Center Pivot Irrigation

Water distribution by sprinklers that move in circles on wheeled towers, common in flat areas.

Localized System

A delivery system targeting individual plants using a network of pipes and low-pressure water.

Drip Irrigation System

An efficient localized water delivery method that releases small drops of water near plant roots.

Groundwater Depletion

Occurs when water is pumped out faster than it can be naturally refilled.

Salinization

The process of salt buildup in soil due to evaporation of irrigation water.

Waterlogging

Occurs when excessive water saturates plant roots, suffocating them and hindering growth.

Runoff

Water that flows over land instead of soaking into the soil, potentially carrying pollutants.

Erosion

The washing away of soil by water, often exacerbated by poor irrigation practices.

Water Table

The underground boundary saturating the ground with water, the top level accessible by wells.

Water Conservation

The careful management of water resources to prevent waste and ensure future availability.

Efficiency in Water Application

The measure of how effectively water is used compared to the total amount taken from its source.

Saltwater Intrusion

The movement of saltwater into freshwater aquifers, often caused by groundwater extraction near coastal areas, affecting water quality.

Lateral Move Irrigation System

A type of irrigation system that uses wheeled platforms to move laterally across a field, delivering water in a controlled manner, enhancing efficiency and minimizing waste.