When crops are grown on large areas of land, one of two types of agriculture must be used: irrigated or dryland. Specifically, we will focus on irrigated agriculture, understanding its characteristics and how it differs from dryland agriculture. This analysis is crucial to obtain excellent results when planting, as it is based on the correct measures to obtain a high-quality crop.
Irrigated agriculture is a crop best suited to growing large areas of land, which also means large amounts of water are required to extract it. Its main feature is the provision of water supply through different irrigation systems. Given the crop yields, significant economic investment as well as transportation infrastructure is necessary.
Irrigated crops are considered to be those crops that are not dependent on the season of the year or whether it rains for irrigation; they are crops that require a constant supply of water. Like flowers, citrus fruits and rice, they require adequate moisture to grow. We can also mention barley, beets, potatoes, corn, rye, onions, tomatoes and oats.
In some cases, such as olive groves or grapevines, it is also possible to use dry farming instead of irrigation, but it turns out that in the second case the yields are much higher.
Advantages of irrigated agriculture
- It is the type of agriculture best suited for linear crops that require less energy consumption.
- It saves about 60% of water.
- The equipment it operates on has a long service life, thereby avoiding lower construction costs.
- Resistant to outdoor conditions, UV rays or chemicals.
- This is a type of farming that can be applied to all types of relief, even the thinnest of soils.
- Helps increase harvest.
- Continuous irrigation prevents root suffocation.
- Water distribution and quantity will be controlled at all times.
How to apply irrigated agriculture
- Conduct a topographic assessment of the land to understand length, slope, width, ditches or existing roads.
- Soil characteristics, especially water retention capacity.
- The type of crops that will be grown and the amount of water they will require to grow.
- Evaluate the quality of the water and whether it should be treated or processed based on salinity.
- Assess possible soil erosion to avoid over-irrigation.
- In order to increase yields, irrigation must complement rainwater, with the purpose of promoting crop growth and reducing costs.
