Irrigated system

Irrigation is the operation of artificially supplying water to cultivated plants to increase their production and allow their normal development, in case of water deficit caused by insufficient rainfall, excessive drainage, or a drop in groundwater levels, especially in arid areas.

Irrigation can also have other applications:

The addition of fertilizing elements either to the soil or, through spraying, to the leaves (foliar fertilization); in hydroponic cultivation, irrigation is completely combined with fertilization.
Frost protection: by spraying water on the foliage (orchards, vineyards) can allow a few precious degrees of temperature to be gained during spring frosts, or in some cases by flooding.

Generally, it is customary to use the term "watering" for small areas (gardening), reserving the term "irrigation" for larger areas (field agriculture, horticulture), but there is no standard in this matter.

Of course, irrigation must primarily be based on the water needs of the plants. But other factors come into play, such as soil type, climate, and type of plot.

Choosing your irrigation system

The choice of irrigation system should be made by considering several criteria and should be viewed in the long term. Indeed, the cheapest systems are those that require the highest expenditure in labor or water and energy consumption.

In light of the expected climate changes over the next half-century, investments should be made with full awareness. The solutions presented have an average lifespan of between 25 and 30 years.

Comprehensive Coverage

Water Application Efficiency: 70% to 95%
Energy Consumption: ++
Wind Sensitivity: ++
Strengths: Adaptable to all types of plots
Weaknesses: Requires labor to install and dismantle each year

Reel Sprinkler

Water Application Efficiency: 80% to 95%
Energy Consumption: +++
Wind Sensitivity: ++
Strengths: Robust and versatile
Weaknesses: Requires labor for setup

Boom and Pivot Systems

Water Application Efficiency: 90% to 95%
Energy Consumption: ++
Wind Sensitivity: +
Strengths: Water distribution, fertigation, remote management
Weaknesses: Difficult to move from one plot to another

Micro-Irrigation

Water Application Efficiency: about 95%
Energy Consumption: +
Wind Sensitivity: -
Strengths: Water efficiency, low flow rate, fertigation
Weaknesses: More maintenance, more frequent renewal

Sources

Page Wikipedia sur l'irrigation