Question

Which of the following method likely to be used where the water supply is limited and the market value of the crop is high?

• A. Surface irrigation
• B. Sprinkler irrigation
• C. Drip irrigation
• D. Pitcher irrigation

Hint:

Drip irrigation maximizes crop yield per drop of water.
High-value crops like orchards and greenhouse vegetables justify the initial capital cost of installing drip lines in water-scarce regions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The choice of irrigation system depends on water availability, soil type, crop value, and economic feasibility.
High-efficiency micro-irrigation systems are preferred when water is scarce and the high return on investment justifies the installation cost.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Drip irrigation (or trickle irrigation) is a highly efficient micro-irrigation system.
It delivers water slowly and directly to the plant root zone through a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters.
Key characteristics of drip irrigation make it ideal under the stated conditions:
1. Water Conservation: It achieves a water use efficiency of \( 90\% - 95\% \) by minimizing evaporation, surface runoff, and deep percolation, making it ideal for water-scarce areas.
2. Economic Feasibility: The installation cost of a drip system is relatively high due to the required piping, emitters, filters, and pressure regulators.
This high initial capital investment is economically viable primarily when cultivating high-value crops (such as vegetables, horticultural fruits, and commercial crops) that yield substantial market profits.
Conventional surface irrigation is highly inefficient and wastes water, while sprinkler systems lose water to evaporation and wind drift.
Therefore, drip irrigation is the most suitable method when water supply is limited and crop market value is high.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Drip irrigation is the most suitable method under these conditions.