What is the best irrigation method: get to know the main ones

There are many discussions about what is the best irrigation method, why it needs to be efficient and offer advantages to farmers.

Today we will understand the best options used in Brazil:

Is there any irrigation method that is considered the best?

Irrigation methods play a crucial role in agriculture, especially in regions where water availability is a challenge. In Brazil, several irrigation methods are used, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

But it is important to understand that there is no single, universal method that is considered the best. The choice depends on a number of factors, such as the cost you are willing to invest, the topography of the land, the climate of the region, and others.

What is the best irrigation method?

Before choosing the best irrigation method for your crop, you need to know what they are. Here are the best methods:

1 – Localized irrigation

Localized irrigation occurs by applying water to the area occupied by the plant roots, creating a wet circle or a wet strip, and is used much more in fruit production.

It is a low-cost and low-energy labor force, with great efficiency, since the water is directly at the root and has less chance of evaporating. 

It can be adjusted to provide nutrients through fertigation, reducing losses and optimizing plant nutrition. It is a type of method that can be used in different types of soil, keeping the soil moist at all times, without being affected by wind or slope.

We also cannot fail to mention its disadvantages, such as the high initial cost and the need for frequent maintenance due to blockages.

2 – Sprinkler irrigation

Sprinkler irrigation simulates artificial rain by distributing water through sprinklers. It is a suitable method for a variety of applications. types of crops for having good uniformity in water distribution.

It is quite effective and fast, with good use of agricultural equipment, requiring low labor costs. However, it should be taken into account that by keeping the leaves always moist, it can increase the chances of developing diseases.

3 – Drip irrigation

This is a micro-irrigation method designed to save water and nutrients as a whole. With it, water reaches the roots through drippers directed to that specific part, reducing waste.

It offers different advantages such as high efficiency in water use, reduction of leaf diseases and savings on fertilizers that can be combined with irrigation.

4 – Surface irrigation

In this type of irrigation, water is passed over the soil, usually flooding the plantation or through furrows. It is widely used for rice plantations in southern Brazil.

When done in furrows, water is applied in channels or between rows of plants, which is very effective in crops such as corn or sugar cane. It has a low installation cost, as it does not require sophisticated equipment.

However, there is a high loss of water through percolation or evaporation, and it is also not a very recommended practice for terrains with steep slopes, as it compromises the uniform distribution of water.

When it is done by flooding, the crop is submerged and the water is distributed over the entire surface. It is also very simple and does not require sophisticated equipment, and can suppress the growth of weeds.

But it ends up consuming a lot of water, not being so economical in this resource and not suitable for all types of cultivation.

5 – Underground irrigation

Subsurface irrigation is a highly efficient method that applies water directly to the root zone of plants through perforated or porous pipes buried in the soil.

This method minimizes water losses through evaporation and surface runoff, ensuring precise and efficient distribution.

Since water is applied directly to the roots, there is less evaporation loss compared to surface methods. And because it is controlled, it reduces the risk of percolation.

Another positive point is that the water does not come into contact with the leaves, so there is a lower incidence of foliar diseases, in addition to being supplied exactly where it is needed, promoting healthy and efficient growth.

However, in this case, installing the pipe system can be expensive, especially in large areas. It requires regular maintenance to prevent blockages and ensure the proper functioning of the system.

Efficiency can be affected by soil type. Sandy soils, for example, may have difficulty retaining water. It is not suitable for all crops. Short-cycle crops or those that require a larger wetting area may not benefit as much from this method.

Conclusion

When choosing the best irrigation method, it is essential to consider the specific needs of each crop, as well as the environmental and economic characteristics of the region.

Localized irrigation, such as drip irrigation, stands out for its efficient use of water and reduction of foliar diseases, making it ideal for fruit and vegetable crops. Although the initial cost is high, the long-term benefits make this investment worthwhile.

On the other hand, sprinkler irrigation is a versatile option, offering good uniformity and adapting to different types of crops, despite the risk of disease due to constant moisture on the leaves. Surface irrigation, with its low installation costs, is effective for crops such as rice and sugar cane, but can result in water waste through evaporation and is not suitable for sloped terrain.

Subsurface irrigation, while effective in reducing evaporation losses, requires significant investment in infrastructure and maintenance. Ultimately, the choice of the optimal method should be based on a balance between efficiency, cost, and adaptability to local conditions.

This way, farmers can maximize the productivity and sustainability of their operations, ensuring a more responsible use of available water resources.