irrigation methods 5.5

Salinization

A process in which mineral salts accumulate in the soil, killing plants; occurs when soils in dry climates are irrigated profusely

irrigation

A way of supplying water to an area of land

Aquifer

A body of rock or sediment that stores groundwater and allows the flow of groundwater.

Ogallala Aquifer

Largest aquifer in North America, located at major crop areas, multiple farmers drawling water from this, example of tragedy of commons, levels of water dropping faster than can replenish

Furrow

least effective, ditches cut into ground and filled with water, cheap, 30% of water is lost

drip

most effective, 95% effective, very expensive, easily damaged, water delivered directly to plants by pipes

Waterlogging

saturation of soil with water

flood

second least effective, fields are flooded so then water seeps into ground, cheap, 20% water lost, can cause water logging

spray

sprinkler system, most widely used system, 2nd most effective, still has some water loss issues, more expensive