“Pressurized irrigation is a method where water is transported through pipes and applied directly to the root zone of plants or the soil surface under pressure. This method is significantly more efficient compared to traditional irrigation methods such as surface irrigation, resulting in substantial water savings and increased agricultural production.

Benefits of pressurized irrigation:

• Water conservation: By precisely targeting the plant roots, water loss due to evaporation and deep percolation is minimized.
• Increased irrigation efficiency: Through uniform water distribution, water wastage in over-irrigated and under-irrigated areas is prevented.
• Precise control of water application: By adjusting the flow rate of emitters or sprinklers, the water requirements of each plant type can be accurately met.
• Reduced weed growth: By wetting only a small portion of the soil surface, weed growth is inhibited.
• Reduced soil erosion: By reducing the need for tillage, soil erosion is minimized.
• Simultaneous fertilization: By dissolving fertilizers in the irrigation water, the necessary nutrients can be directly applied to the plant roots.

Types of pressurized irrigation:

• Drip irrigation: In this method, water is applied in small drops through emitters located along the pipelines, directly to the soil around plant roots.
• Sprinkler irrigation: In this method, water is sprayed onto the soil surface in the form of artificial rain.
• Micro-spray irrigation: A combination of drip and sprinkler irrigation, where water is applied in very fine droplets to the soil surface.

Key components of pressurized irrigation systems:

• Water source: Can be a well, river, reservoir, or any other water source.
• Pump: To increase water pressure and transport it through the system.
• Pipelines: To convey water from the source to various points in the field.
• Fittings: To connect pipes to each other and to other system components.
• Emitters or sprinklers: To distribute water throughout the field.
• Filter: To prevent the entry of solid particles into the system and clogging of emitters.

Applications of pressurized irrigation:

Pressurized irrigation is used in the cultivation of various crops, horticulture, greenhouses, and landscaping.