Irrigation methods
Main irrigation methods are: surface irrigation, sprinkler irrigation and micro irrigation.
Surface irrigation
Since potatoes are mainly grown on ridges the main surface irrigation method used is furrow irrigation. The system is used when there is:
- ample water supply
- on medium to fine texture soils
- on uniform sloping land with slopes ranging from 0-1%
The water use efficiency is relatively low. The investment costs as well as operational and maintenance costs are medium.
FURROW IRRIGATION
Sprinkler irrigation
Sprinkler irrigation is used where there is:
- water scarcity
- soils with low water holding capacity and high infiltration rate
- irregular topography and soils too shallow to be levelled
The water use efficiency is relatively high. The investment costs and maintenance costs are relatively high.
SPRINKLER IRRIGATION
Micro irrigation
Drip irrigation is used where there is:
- water scarcity
- a very low water holding capacity of soils
- a very high or low infiltration rate and drainage of excess irrigation water is difficult
- water salinity
The water use efficiency is high. The investment costs are high.
DRIP IRRIGATION