Name some of the traditional irrigation methods?

(i) Check Basin Method: In this method, the whole field is divided into basins according to the capacity of water. Basins are connected through a ‘Dhora’ (A small drain type flow way), which has raised earthen walls on both sides. ‘Dhora’ is of two types, one is the main ‘Dhora’ and the other ‘Dhora’ is connected to basins. Sizes of basins are made according to the inflow of water. This method has the following advantages: 1. It is the best method of irrigation for leveled fields. 2. It does not require any technical knowledge. 3. This method is more useful in soils having lesser infiltration. 4. In this method, rain water stays in basins; hence soil erosion is not caused. 5. It has lesser economic investment. 6. It irrigates more area. 7. Crops get sufficient water. (ii) Furrow Irrigation Method: Furrow irrigation method is resorted to where crops are one grown in rows. Along the side of rows of crops, ‘Dol’is formed, and in between two such ‘Dols’, a furrow is formed in which water flows for irrigation. The quantity of flow of water depends on demand of water by plants and the rate of infiltration. Advantages: 1. Large areas can be irrigated at a time. 2. It saves labour since once the furrow is filled, it is not necessary to give water a second time. 3. It is a comparatively cheaper method. 4. Plants get suitable quantity of water by this method. iii) Strip Irrigation Method: In strip irrigation method, fields are divided into strips of different size. A boundary called ‘Med’ is formed to separate the strips. These strips are constructed according to the slope. The source of water is situated at the highest place in the field from where the whole field can get the flow of water. Advantages: 1. It is possible to irrigate more area at a lesser expenditure. 2. It requires less labour. 3. Method of irrigation is easy and it causes lesser erosion. (iv) Basin Irrigation Method: This irrigation method is more suited for horticulture development. In this method, a raised platform called ‘Thanvla’ is formed around trees or bushes and they are connected with each other through drains and the water reaches from one tree to the other. This method is not suitable for crops Advantages: 1. It saves time. Once the water is opened, it reaches other trees automatically. 2. Its economic investment is less. 3. It is beneficial for more trees read less