BayG.A.P. SERVICE PROGRAM MODULE 3
There are two basic categories of surface irrigation:
• Ponding: Surface water pooled in a puddle
• Moving water: Runoff or ponding to guarantee adequate infiltration at the lower end
of the field
However, the type of soil determines the length of the run and the depth of infiltration over time.
The better the quality of the soil, the
less unnecessary runoff and the better
the infiltration into the soil.
Ponding, however, implies not to irrigate the crops during the day. Early mornings or nighttime is
more adequate to avoid evaporation and water loss.
Each of the aforementioned systems show specific advantages and disadvantages. Initial development
costs, size and shape of individual fields, soil characteristics, nature and availability of the water supply,
climate, cropping pattern, social preferences and structures, and historical experience are core factors
to consider. Ask for the advice of your agronomic engineer to choose the best system for your farm.
The efficacy of these systems is mainly
enabled through the following five factors:
• Type of soil
• Water quality
• Climate
• Plant
• Labour
Soil with a rather permeable
character is not suitable to
transport water over the surface.
As a consequence, the entire field
may not be irrigated adequately. On
the upside, winds or sediments and
debris won’t influence surface irriga-
tion compared to sprinkler systems.
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