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This is the complete lecture note for CPS407 Irrigation Practices in Crop Production. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Course code: CPS 407 • Course title: Irrigation Practices in Crop Production • Course credit load: 2 Series 1: Principles of Irrigation Series outline • 1.1 Forms of Irrigation o 1.1.1 Surface Irrigation o 1.1.2 Sprinkler Irrigation o 1.1.3 Drip Irrigation o 1.1.4 Other Methods • 1.2 Costs and Profitability o 1.2.1 Capital Investment o 1.2.2 Operating Costs o 1.2.3 Profitability Analysis • 1.3 Application to Crops o 1.3.1 Field Crops o 1.3.2 Horticultural Crops o 1.3.3 Critical Growth Stages • 1.4 Maintenance of Irrigation Equipment o 1.4.1 Routine Maintenance o 1.4.2 Troubleshooting Common Problems o 1.4.3 Long-Term Sustainability Introduction
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Irrigation has long been recognised as a vital practice in agriculture, especially in regions where rainfall is unreliable or insufficient. By providing water directly to crops, irrigation enables farmers to achieve consistent yields and supports the possibility of all-year-round production. This Series introduces you to the fundamental principles of irrigation, helping you appreciate its role in modern crop production and its contribution to food security. The aim of this Series is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to identify, evaluate, and apply different irrigation methods, while also considering their economic viability and technical sustainability. We shall commence this Series by examining the various forms of irrigation that are commonly practised. Next, we will analyse the costs and profitability associated with irrigation systems. Following that, we will explore how irrigation is applied to different crops, with emphasis on critical growth stages. Finally, we will conclude by studying the maintenance of irrigation equipment, ensuring that learners understand how to sustain irrigation systems effectively. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define the major forms of irrigation and explain their distinguishing features, • SLO 1.2 analyse the costs and profitability of irrigation systems, • SLO 1.3 apply irrigation principles to different crops, with emphasis on critical growth stages, and • SLO 1.4 demonstrate appropriate maintenance practices for irrigation equipment. 1.1 Forms of Irrigation 1.1.1 Surface irrigation Surface irrigation refers to the practice of applying water directly over the soil surface, allowing it to infiltrate and reach plant roots. It is one of the oldest and most widely used methods, often involving furrows, basins, or border strips. This method is simple and inexpensive, but it requires level land and careful water management to avoid wastage. Fill in the blank: Surface irrigation is most effective when the land is ______.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing furrow and basin irrigation methods. Figure 1.1: Basic forms of surface irrigation 1.1.2 Sprinkler irrigation Sprinkler irrigation is a method where water is distributed through pipes and sprayed into the air, falling like rainfall over crops. It is suitable for uneven terrain and can be used for a wide range of crops. Sprinklers help reduce soil erosion compared to surface irrigation, but they require higher energy input and regular maintenance. Fill in the blank: Sprinkler irrigation distributes water by spraying it into the ______.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Image of a field under sprinkler irrigation. Plate 1.1: Sprinkler irrigation in practice 1.1.3 Drip irrigation Drip irrigation involves delivering water directly to the root zone of plants through a network of pipes and emitters. This method is highly efficient, minimising evaporation and runoff losses. It is particularly useful for horticultural crops and areas with limited water supply. However, it requires careful installation and regular monitoring to prevent clogging. Fill in the blank: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the ______ zone of plants.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing drip irrigation layout with pipes and emitters. Figure 1.2: Drip irrigation system layout 1.1.4 Other methods Other irrigation methods include subsurface irrigation, where water is applied below the soil surface, and manual irrigation, where water is supplied using buckets or watering cans. These methods are less common but may be suitable in specific contexts, such as small-scale farming or areas with unique soil conditions. Fill in the blank: Subsurface irrigation applies water below the ______ surface. Box 1.1: Comparison of irrigation methods Method Key feature Suitability Surface Water flows over soil Large, level fields Sprinkler Water sprayed like rainfall Uneven terrain Drip Water delivered to roots Water-scarce areas Subsurface Water applied underground Special soil conditions
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Pilot questions 1.1 1. Which irrigation method applies water directly over the soil surface? 2. Which method distributes water by spraying it into the air? 3. Which irrigation system is most efficient in water-scarce areas? 4. What is the main limitation of drip irrigation? 5. Which irrigation method is most suitable for large, level fields? 1.2 Costs and Profitability 1.2.1 Capital investment Capital investment refers to the initial expenditure required to establish an irrigation system. This includes costs of land preparation, purchase of pumps, pipes, sprinklers, or drip lines, and installation expenses. The level of investment varies depending on the type of irrigation system chosen. For example, surface irrigation requires less capital compared to drip irrigation, which demands more sophisticated equipment. Fill in the blank: Capital investment in irrigation includes the purchase of ______ and installation expenses. Table 1.1: Typical capital investment for irrigation systems Description of table: A comparative table showing estimated costs for surface, sprinkler, and drip irrigation systems. 1.2.2 Operating costs
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Operating costs are the recurring expenses incurred during the functioning of an irrigation system. These include fuel or electricity for pumps, labour for operation and maintenance, and costs of repairs or replacement of parts. Operating costs can significantly influence the choice of irrigation method, as systems like sprinklers and drip irrigation often require higher energy inputs compared to surface irrigation. Fill in the blank: Operating costs in irrigation include fuel, labour, and ______ of parts. Diagram showing breakdown of operating costs in irrigation systems. Figure 1.3: Components of operating costs in irrigation 1.2.3 Profitability analysis Profitability analysis involves evaluating whether the benefits of irrigation outweigh the costs. This is usually assessed by comparing increased crop yields and income against the combined capital and operating costs. Profitability depends on crop type, market demand, and efficiency of water use. Farmers must carefully analyse these factors before investing in irrigation systems. Fill in the blank: Profitability analysis compares increased crop yields and income against ______ and operating costs.
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