Ditch and Furrow Irrigation

Irrigation is the process of applying water to soil and crops to let them grow when there is not enough rain. Irrigation methods are techniques of water application to the soil for crop growth. Surface irrigation methods refer to application of water to the crops over the surface of the field by means gravity flow. Furrow irrigation is one of the most widely used surface irrigation methods, particularly for irrigating row crops. Furrows are small channels which carry water down the land slope between the crop rows. The main objective of this chapter is to assess and review furrow and ditch irrigation methods and the proper farm irrigation management of the method. Uniform distribution of water in furrow irrigation method can be achieved and the irrigation efficiency can be enhanced by determining appropriate amount of irrigation water and controlling the water flow in the furrows. The furrow irrigation must be designed so as to minimize deep percolation, excessive surface evaporation and control tail water runoff losses. Generally, proper field water management and optimum design of furrows can control water wastage and salinity development in surface irrigation systems.