Course

Theory

Irrigation: definition and objectives; Importance: Function of water for plant growth, water resources and irrigation development for different crops in India; Soil plant water relationships; Available and unavailable soil moisture, distribution of soil moisture, water budgeting, rooting characteristics, moisture extraction pattern, effect of moisture stress on crop growth. Methods of soil moisture estimation, evapotranspiration and crop water requirement; effective rainfall, different approaches of scheduling of irrigation; Methods of irrigation: surface and sub-surface, pressurized methods, viz., sprinkler and drip irrigation, their suitability, merits and limitations, fertigation, economic use of irrigation water; Layout of different irrigation systems, Irrigation efficiency and water use efficiency, conjunctive use of water, irrigation water quality and its management. Water management of different crops (rice, wheat, maize, groundnut, sugarcane, mango, banana and tomato); quality of irrigation water, irrigation management practices for different soils and crops, drip, sprinkler. Layout of underground pipeline system, Irrigation automation, Artificial Intelligence and climate-based irrigation practices and its management.

Practical

Determination of bulk density by field method; Determination of soil moisture content by gravimetric method, tensiometer, electrical resistance block and neutron moisture meter; Determination of field capacity by field method; Determination of permanent wilting point; Measurement of irrigation water by using water measuring devices viz., flumes, weirs, notches, orifices; Calculation of irrigation water requirement (Problems); Determination of infiltration rate; Demonstration of furrow method of irrigation; Demonstration of check basin and basin method of irrigation; Visit to farmers’ field and cost estimation of drip irrigation system; Demonstration of filter cleaning, fertigation, injection and flushing of laterals; layout for different methods of irrigation, Erection and operation of sprinkler irrigation system; Measurement of emitter discharge rate, wetted diameter and calculation of emitter discharge variability; Visit to irrigation research centre/ station and visit to command area.

Objectives

1. To study the important properties of soil affecting water availability to crops and water requirement for optimum growth and development

2. To study different methods of irrigation and water management practices of both field and horticultural crops and drainage.

3. To study the soil moisture conservation practices including management of rain water, watershed and command areas.

Course outcomes

Any student who has undergone the course shall be able to:

Suggested Readings

1. Carr M K V and Fereres Elias. 2014. Advances in Irrigation Agronomy. Cambridge University Press.

2. Michael A M. 2009. Irrigation Theory and Practice. (2nd Edn.). Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.

3. Majumdar Dilip Kumar. 2010. Irrigation Water Management: Principles and Practice. Prentice Hall of India Pvt. Ltd.

4. Patil S V and Rajakumar G R. 2016. Water Management in Agriculture and Horticultural Crops. Satish Serial Publishing House, Delhi.

5. Rao Y P and Bhaskar S R. 2008. Irrigation Technology. Theory and Practice. Agrotech Publishing Academy, Udaipur.