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