Question

What is meant by ‘irrigation’? Name the main crops grown under irrigation.

Answer 1

Irrigation is a process of supplying water to crops in an artificial manner to fulfil water requirements. Use of irrigation dates back to BC. It was initially used in Khuzestan province of Iran. Irrigation wets the complete land and penetrates the soil gradually following the gravity. Cotton, maize and beans are the main crops grown under irrigation.

Complete answer
Artificial supply of water for cultivation in land is called irrigation. If water is sufficient, a variety of crops can be grown. If there is insufficient water, irrigation is the choice. It is a phenomenon of watering plants in a controlled style for agricultural purposes for fulfilling the supply of needed water. This man made system of water supply is irrigation. It is used when there is less rainfall. Cotton and squash can also be cultivated through irrigation. Besides, crops which are present in lesser rainfall areas, can be cultivated. Some areas lack water content. For those areas, irrigation is provided. Paddy and sugarcane can also be grown under irrigation.
Irrigation Is the supply of water to crops from wells, tanks or canals. It is done for agricultural production. It comes handy in areas where the rainfall is irregular or drought is expected. It helps to maintain moisture around the plants. It suppresses growth of weeds, improves destroyed landscape and replenished degraded soil. In arid and dry areas, irrigation is of much help.

Note:
Wheat, oats, corn and barley are irrigation crops. There are different types of irrigation. They are as follows:
1. Furrow irrigation system
2. Ring irrigation system
3. Flat irrigation system
4. Perforated irrigation system
5. Basin irrigation system
6. Sprinkler irrigation system
7. Drip irrigation system
8. Pot irrigation method
Irrigation can act as a supplementation to rain water. But irrigation is an important case of decline in fresh water as it is bulk withdrawal. For pumping of water in irrigation, one-fifth generation of electricity is spent.