Question

Which irrigation method applies water in the form of rain water?

• A. Surface
• B. Sub surface
• C. Sprinkler
• D. Drip

Hint:

Remember the key distinction: sprinkler irrigation resembles rainfall, whereas drip irrigation delivers water directly near the roots.
For surface irrigation, remember that water moves mainly over the soil surface under the influence of gravity.
For sub-surface irrigation, water is supplied below the soil surface.
In an MCQ, the phrase “water in the form of rain” is a strong clue for sprinkler irrigation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to identify the irrigation method in which water is supplied to crops in a manner similar to natural rainfall.
Different irrigation methods distribute water to the crop in different ways, and the method that sprays water over the crop and soil surface in the form of fine droplets is known as sprinkler irrigation.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Surface irrigation:
In surface irrigation, water is allowed to flow over the soil surface and reach the crop roots mainly through gravity.
It does not apply water in the form of artificial rainfall.

• Sub-surface irrigation:
In sub-surface irrigation, water is supplied below the soil surface, generally near the root zone.
This method therefore does not resemble rainfall.

• Sprinkler irrigation:
In sprinkler irrigation, water is pumped through pipes and released through sprinkler nozzles.
The nozzles break the water into small droplets and distribute them over the field.
The droplets fall on the crop and soil in a pattern similar to natural rainfall.
This method is particularly useful where the land is uneven, the soil is relatively sandy, or adequate surface irrigation is difficult.
Sprinkler irrigation can also provide relatively uniform application of water when the system is properly designed and operated.

• Drip irrigation:
Drip irrigation supplies water slowly and directly to the root zone through emitters or drippers.
It is highly efficient in conserving water but does not apply water in the form of rainfall.

• Thus, among the four methods, only sprinkler irrigation applies water as fine droplets that resemble rain.
Therefore, statement C alone is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The irrigation method that applies water in the form of artificial rainfall is sprinkler irrigation.
Hence, the correct answer is (B) C only.