Ridge and Furrow Method of Irrigation: Advantages and Disadvantages

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is the Ridge and Furrow Method of Irrigation?
  • How Ridge and Furrow Irrigation Works?
• Types of Furrow Method of Irrigation
• Advantages of Furrow Irrigation
• Disadvantages of the Ridge and Furrow Method

Introduction

Water is a highly valuable but limited resource for agriculture. Thus, it is important to manage water use for sustainable agriculture. One of the most common and traditional irrigation methods is ridge and furrow irrigation. This irrigation method lays out water channels to supply a suitable amount of water to crops. This surface irrigation system involves placing ridges and furrows in a planned manner.

What is the Ridge and Furrow Method of Irrigation?

Small, parallel channels, also called furrows, are made in this irrigation method that carries water for irrigating the crops. Ridges are the elevated part of the field where crops are planted. Furrow irrigation is preferred because it is a cost-effective method. However, this method is not recommended for fields with undulations or slopes.

Irrigation uses the most water in India. The furrow method has been found to be suitable for a variety of crops. However, it is best suited for row crops, broadcast crops and fruit trees. Also, it is perfect for crops that can be damaged if their crown or stem is covered with water.

How Ridge and Furrow Irrigation Works?

The driving force behind the ridge and furrow method is gravitational pull. Vertical channels (furrows) are formed between crop rows. The furrow shape and size rely on the spacing between crop rows and crop type.

The slope of a furrow regulates the speed of water flowing through it. For optimal surface drainage, a minimum furrow slope of 0.05% is required. Implementing the furrow method begins with constructing ridges and furrows across the field.

• Land preparation implements such as ridgers can cut and turn the soil in opposite directions to form ridges. Some of the top models of ridger available on Tractorkarvan are Fieldking Ridgers, Farmking Ridgers and Krishiking Ridgers.
• The dimensions and spacing of the ridges and furrows can vary depending on factors such as soil type, crop and water availability. The recommended furrow spacing and depth of irrigation for clay soil are 100 cm or more and 1-1.5 m, respectively.

After establishing ridges and furrows, water can be supplied along the furrows. Water gets distributed between the ridges evenly. Due to the ridges, water retention takes place, and excessive runoff is prevented. Water seeps into the soil and reaches crop roots effectively.

Types of Furrow Method of Irrigation

Furrows are of two types based on the alignment.

• Straight furrows: In the case of the nominal land slope, straight furrows are utilised. They are dug parallel to each other in straight lines. These furrows are aligned along the land slope, which is not more than 0.75%.
• Contour furrows: These furrows are curvilinear and not straight, as they are dug along the contours. This is done to fit the land topography. Water is carried across the sloping field instead of the slope. You can irrigate light soils across slopes up to 5% successfully.

Advantages of Furrow Irrigation

The advantages of furrow irrigation include water conservation and improved crop yield. The key benefits of the ridge and furrow method include:

• Ridge and furrow irrigation is cost-effective as it is relatively economical to build and maintain.
• Farmers need not have much technical knowledge for its construction and maintenance.
• There is adequate drainage because of furrows. A well-drained soil ensures healthy plant growth by uniformly supplying water and air to roots.
• The furrow method facilitates the efficient application of fertilisers. Fertilisers can be placed in furrows in a precise manner to ensure roots receive nutrients efficiently. Due to this targeted approach, wastage of fertiliser and nutrient leaching is minimised.

Disadvantages of the Ridge and Furrow Method

The ridge and furrow method also has certain disadvantages, including:

• Over time, erosion and weather conditions can cause the ridges to deteriorate, requiring periodic repairs and upkeep, thus increasing the maintenance cost.
• Regular removal of excess sediment and debris from the furrows is essential to maintain optimal water flow.
• Evaporation can result in major water loss in furrow irrigation. It reduces the crop production efficiency.
• It is not suitable for all soil types. Furrow irrigation is not recommended for soils with high infiltration capacity such as sandy soil.
• Once the ridges and furrows are constructed, altering the irrigation pattern becomes challenging when farmers need to adapt their irrigation practices based on changing weather conditions or crop requirements.

Due to these challenges, farmers are shifting towards modern and more efficient methods of irrigation like sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation. You can increase crop yield by using the furrow method of irrigation correctly. Before implementing this technique, ensure its suitability for your field and crop.

Also, you need to consider furrow maintenance. Ridges have to be properly maintained so that they do not match the furrow level. Also, ensure that the water flow is proper through furrows. Weeds have to be kept under control for best results.