Basin irrigation

Basin Irrigation is a method of irrigation that involves the flooding of large tracts of land in a controlled manner. The water is allowed to flood the land and then it is drained off. This method of irrigation is particularly suited to areas with a high water table and is commonly used in the cultivation of rice and other crops that require a large amount of water.

History

The practice of basin irrigation dates back to ancient times. It was used extensively in the Egyptian civilization, where the annual flooding of the Nile River was harnessed to irrigate the surrounding lands. The Mesopotamians also used this method of irrigation, taking advantage of the flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Method

In basin irrigation, the land is divided into large, level basins enclosed by levees. Water is introduced into the basins and allowed to stand until it infiltrates into the soil. The water is then drained off and the process is repeated. The size of the basins can vary, but they are typically large enough to allow for the even distribution of water.

Advantages and Disadvantages

One of the main advantages of basin irrigation is that it allows for the efficient use of water. Because the water is allowed to stand in the basins, there is less evaporation and run-off than with other methods of irrigation. This makes basin irrigation a good choice in areas where water is scarce.

However, basin irrigation also has its disadvantages. It requires a large amount of labor to construct and maintain the basins and levees. In addition, it can lead to waterlogging and salinization of the soil if not properly managed.

See Also

• Furrow irrigation
• Drip irrigation
• Sprinkler irrigation