The average person, when they think of irrigation and drainage, may only consider the benefits to their own lawn. So if you’re looking for any help choosing what type of irrigation and drainage system is right for your property then come on over! You’ll feel like a pro after reading this blog post!

Modern Irrigation And Drainage Design And Construction

Supply Of Water

The primary consideration when designing an irrigation plan is developing the water source. Water sources can be classified into surface or subsurface. While the surface and subsurface waters are derived directly from precipitation like rain or snow, it’s much harder to pinpoint the subsurface water source.

Transport Systems

The location of the water source usually decides the type of transportation system employed for irrigation projects. If a surface water source is utilized, a huge canal or pipeline system is typically required to deliver the water to farms. The reservoir will be located far from the place of usage. 

Typical Systems Of  Irrigation And Drainage

The most common surface irrigation and drainage system is based on the public water source–e.g., an aquifer reservoir. This public-private partnership also builds the main canals that transport waters from pools and transfer them to the land for agriculture. The channels generally flow via gravity; however, lift stations are sometimes needed.  Field canals and supply canals are utilized to transport the water to each field and then applied to the land through a furrow or flooding methods.

The Latest Irrigation and Drainage Design and Construction

The Process Of Planning And Organization

The design and development of irrigation and drainage systems aren’t an exact scientific process. While there have been numerous advancements in soils and cultivation science, the techniques are still not created to combine the fundamental principles of drainage to develop detailed designs.  One of the main problems with applying well-established theories is the unpredictable variation of the natural soil instead of the idealized soils required to generate ideas.

Different Types Of Drainage Systems

Drainage systems are divided into two groups: subsurface and surface. Each one has various components with similar roles but with different names. The lower disposal part of each structure is outlets. It is also the location to discharge liquids from the entire system. The main is responsible for carrying waters to its outlet. The field ditch, or subdomain, collects water from various smaller units and transports them to the main and the lateral, or field drain, which is the most compact unit of the system, drains the soil water.

Maintenance And Construction

Subsurface drains are usually constructed by digging the trench, laying the tile, and then backfilling it. 

Control of the equipment to ensure an appropriate slope for the drain is a significant issue. However, recent developments in digging technology and using laser beams to aid in the slope’s control have helped resolve the issue. 

Traditionally, concrete or clay tile was the primary material employed. However, various kinds made of plastic perforated tubes have been used. The benefit is the weight reduction of the material being handled.

Irrigation And Drainage Throughout The Globe

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) maintains the most comprehensive data on irrigation and drainage lands.  They estimate that about 275 million acres (680 million acres) are being irrigated across the world. Nearly 130 different countries are reported to have an area under irrigation. Asia provides 70% of the globe that is washed.

Last Thoughts

Irrigation and drainage are two different but equally important aspects of farming. While irrigation brings water onto the field, drainage removes excess water from it after a rain event or heavy watering has occurred. Together they ensure that crops have access to enough water during dry periods without being overwatered when conditions are wetter than average. It’s also possible for one system to do both tasks if properly designed- just be sure you choose an environmentally friendly option like drip irrigation so as not to waste resources on runoff!