Micro Irrigation Systems

Irrigation is a fundamental need for the survival farmers as it provides water to the growing plants. Irrigation systems involve different ways of obtaining water from different sources and deliver it to various mediums. The agriculture sector is the largest consumer of water which consumes > 80% of water resources of the country. The demand for water has been consistently increasing from various sectors like municipal use, industry etc. and such use can often be at the cost of agriculture. To increase the production of crops for feeding the world population with dwindling water resources is a challenge. The conventional method of irrigation has not been as efficient in use of water, thus resulting in excessive wastage besides creation of problems in many regions by thorough water logging and salinity. Therefore, judicious use of water is vital to achieve higher productivity in a sustainable manner. Microirrigation system enhances the water use efficiency and productivity without injurious effects on soil health. In this text book efforts have been made to present the basics of microirrigation, design, operation, economic analysis, automation and maintenance.