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Drip irrigation is gaining large amount of popularity due to the wonderful amount of benefits that is being provided by this irrigation technique. Nowadays there is more and more number of farmers who are implementing drip irrigation method which gives them the opportunity to automate the process of irrigation. In order to maximize the amount of benefits that are derived through drip irrigation it is necessary that the person possess adequate knowledge regarding the selection of proper field that will provide him best results. This article will be providing good deal of idea that will help in increasing the harvest of crops and also improve the quality of plants. The factor which influences the selection of field is technology, nature of crops, climatic conditions, labor inputs and many more.
Soil selection in fields
In drip irrigation there will constant spraying of water uniformly around the field. The soil type that is most suitable for drip irrigation is sandy soils. Surface irrigation cannot be applied for sandy soils since these soils have high penetration and very less storage capacity. Thus drip irrigation is the only best method that makes sure that proper level of water is supplied to plants without water wastage. It is also essential to note that clay or loamy soils should not be selected for fields that are being irrigated by drip irrigation since it will make soil slippery and water logged.
Climatic conditions and slope of field
Drip irrigation can be greatly affected if the wind velocity in field region is on the higher side. When the wind velocity is higher then the throw of water will be disrupted and non uniform spread of water will be made. The effect of drip irrigation can be maximized in which the flow of wind is uniform and stable. Another important factor which influences field selection for drip irrigation is slope of field. This irrigation technique will provide more benefits if field is sloppy or non uniform since it will ensure proper path for flow of water. Best example for sloppy field is rice grown in terrace space. Surface irrigation cannot be applied in regions which contains slope.
Water quality and type of crops
One of the important requirements for drip irrigation is quality of water which is present in field. It is essential to select field space in which water contains very less level of sediments or salt particles. Presence of higher level of sediments or salt particles will clog the sprinklers and decreases the efficiency of water spray. Since there is large level of investment which is being made for this irrigation technique only those fields which supports growth of higher value cash crops should be selected to ensure the farmer gets good returns for the money invested
Available labor
Drip irrigation provides the possibility of reducing the labor requirement due to automation process. Fields where lower level of labors is available will be well benefited by adapting drip irrigation technique. It is essential to maintain sprinklers in good condition to maintain efficiency in operation.
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