Irrigation Method - Subsurface Irrigation
Subsurface Irrigation
In this method of irrigation,
water is applied below the ground surface by maintaining an artificial water
table at some depth depending upon the soil texture and the depth of the plant
roots. Water reaches the plant roots through capillary action. Water may be
introduces through open ditches or underground pipe lines such as tile drains
or mole drains. The depth of open ditches or tranches varies from 30 to 100 cm
and are spread about 15 to 30 cm apart.
Suitability
It
is suited to soils having reasonably uniform texture and permeable enough for
water to move rapidly both horizontally and vertically within and for some
distance below the crop rootzone. The soil profile must also contain barrier
against excessive losses through deep percolation, either a nearly impermeable
layer in the substratum when artificial water table can be maintained
throughout the growing season. Topography must be smooth and level.