Question

Give reasons for the following.

Drip irrigation is most suited in arid and semi-arid regions.

Answer 1

1. It virtually eliminates evaporation losses by supplying water drop-by-drop straight to the root zone via sealed pipes, which is critical in hot desert settings where the searing sun causes high evaporation.
2. Prevents water waste from surface runoff and deep soil percolation, resulting in a water-use efficiency of more than 90% in places with acute water scarcity.
3. Adapts perfectly to porous sandy soils found in dry areas, which are generally unable to hold water delivered using traditional flooding methods.
4. Controls weed growth and soil salinity by applying water exactly at the plant base, keeping the surrounding dry soil free of undesired weeds and preventing dangerous salt accumulation on the surface.
5. Facilitates efficient nutrient delivery by fertigation, ensuring that crops receive appropriate water-soluble fertilisers directly at their roots despite adverse weather conditions.