In the field of civil engineering, irrigation engineering encompasses a wide range of activities. The organization, planning, and upkeep of irrigation systems for the transportation and distribution of water to residential and agricultural regions fall under the purview of irrigation engineering. Diverting water from dams, canals, and rivers as well as supervising the installation of pipes, sprinklers, and other irrigation equipment are examples of irrigation engineering responsibilities. Work is done in the field to evaluate the terrain, soil, and climatic elements to maximize the usage of water for lawns and crops. Computers are widely used for modeling approaches to develop irrigation system blueprints and send them to subcontractors for installation technicians.
The main goal of irrigation engineering is to design irrigation systems that prioritize water sustainability and address recurring issues with drought and global water scarcity. Irrigation engineering may cover investigating water recycling methods and developing new plans for minimizing water seepage and evaporation loss.
In rural areas, irrigation engineering is frequently used in cotton, dairy, and agricultural activities. Other initiatives included the development of irrigation systems for residential and commercial structures, including office buildings.
Irrigation Engineering: What Is Irrigation?
Irrigation, to put it simply, is the process of intentionally capturing and supplying water from natural resources to places that lack it to grow crops. Three methods can be used to complete this process:
Surface Irrigation: During this procedure, water from the supply channel is gravity-fed across the entire area and seeps down to the roots.
Sub-Irrigation: This technique is applied in regions with a high water table and porous topsoil that slowly absorbs moisture. Ditches are built along the margins of the fields, not only to check the water level but also to refill it when it gets low.
Overhead Irrigation: These irrigation techniques most closely mimic a waterfall in nature. These systems, which are among the most contemporary and sophisticated types of irrigation, use conveyor pipes, pumping equipment, and sprinkler mechanisms to channel water.
Advantages of Irrigation Engineering
- Advancement of cash crops
- Domestic and industrial water supply
- Development of fishery
- Reaping of crops
- Protection from famine
- Prosperity of farmers
Irrigation Engineering: Job Profiles
Graduates in irrigation engineering are needed in a variety of sectors, including canal construction, agriculture, irrigation departments, construction, agro farms, and educational institutions. Students become qualified for a variety of professions thanks to the knowledge they get via their degree programs, which also provide them with a variety of abilities. Graduates with additional specializations can work in a variety of job descriptions. Following are a few examples:
- Agronomist
- Agricultural Project Engineer
- Site Engineer
- Farm Irrigation Consultant
- Tendering Engineer and Tendering Manager
- Senior Irrigation Design Engineer
- Assistant Seed Production Specialist
- Civil Engineer and Irrigation Engineer
- Senior Irrigation Design Engineer
FAQs about the Course
What is irrigation in engineering?
- The process of irrigation involves adding water to the soil artificially so that crops can grow. It is the science of planning and developing an irrigation system that is effective, affordable, and adapted to local environmental factors.
What are the 4 types of irrigation?
- Surface
- Sprinkler
- Subsurface
- Drip/trickle
What is the scope of irrigation engineering?
- The area of civil engineering includes a wide range of irrigation engineering practices. Irrigation engineering is in charge of designing, organizing, and maintaining irrigation systems that transport and distribute water to residential and agricultural locations.
Why is irrigation engineering important?
- Because it aids in predicting future irrigation needs, irrigation engineering is important. Since about 5000 years ago, irrigation has played a significant role in agriculture. It has also served as the cornerstone of innumerable societies from Asia to Arizona in terms of economy and society.