Rotational irrigation Mean?

Rotational irrigation

It is a system in which each irrigation canal receives its share of water not in a continuous proportion, but at certain intervals.

Rotational irrigation is a method of irrigating crops where water is distributed in turns, or rotations, to different parts of a field or farm. This approach helps optimize water usage, particularly in areas with limited water resources, by allowing one section of land to receive irrigation while others are left to dry or recover. It's often used in combination with other irrigation techniques.

How Rotational Irrigation Works:

1. Dividing the Field:

   • The field is divided into sections or blocks.
   • Water is directed to one section at a time, usually through canals, pipes, or sprinklers.

2. Watering Cycle:

   • Each section of the field is irrigated for a specified period, then the water is moved to the next section.
   • The cycle continues until all areas are watered.

3. Rest Periods:The sections that are not being watered have time to dry out, allowing the soil to absorb water efficiently without over-saturation.

Benefits of Rotational Irrigation:

1. Water Conservation:Helps reduce water wastage by ensuring that water is only used in specific parts of the field at different times.

2. Improved Soil Health:Allows time for soil in non-irrigated sections to dry, promoting better root health and preventing waterlogging.

3. Cost-Effective:Reduces energy and water costs by using water efficiently, especially in regions with scarce water resources.

4. Flexibility:Can be adapted to different farming systems and crops, such as in the irrigation of row crops, orchards, or vineyards.

Examples of Use:

• Sprinkler Systems: In large fields, sprinkler systems are often set on rotating schedules to move water around the area.
• Flood Irrigation: In flood irrigation systems, water might be rotated between different furrows or sections of the field.

Related Techniques:

• Drip Irrigation: Can be combined with rotational irrigation to minimize water loss and target specific plant areas.
• Center Pivot Irrigation: A form of rotational irrigation where a rotating sprinkler system covers a circular area of land.