Water is essential for the growth and development of plants, and it is important to provide a reliable water source to ensure healthy plant growth. This articles enlightens about the need for water and not rain. It also offers solution to farmers during dry season or in the absence of consistent and sufficient rainfall.
Is rain necessary for farming ?
In the absence of rain, what other methods can be used?
Do plants need rain to survive ?
In farming, water is essential and rain is just one source of water. In the absence of rain or during dry season Farmers supplement rainfall with irrigation system for plant based farms and aquaponics for both plant and livestock farming
IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND IT’S TYPES.
Irrigation system helps supplement natural rainfall and ensures that plants receive the necessary amount of water for growth and development. There are different types of irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and flood irrigation.
Drip irrigation is a method of watering plants where water is delivered directly to the roots in a slow and steady manner. It involves a network of tubes or pipes with small holes or emitters placed near the plants. These emitters release water in controlled amounts, ensuring that the plants get just the right amount of moisture they need. This method helps conserve water as it minimizes evaporation and ensures that water goes directly to the plants' roots, promoting efficient water usage.
sprinkler irrigation is a method of providing water to crops by spraying it over the fields using sprinklers. The sprinklers distribute water in a manner similar to rainfall, covering a larger area. This method is commonly used in agriculture because it allows for efficient water distribution, especially for crops that require regular moisture. Sprinkler irrigation can be adjusted to accommodate different crop types, field sizes, and water requirements.
Flood irrigation is a method of irrigation where fields are flooded with water to provide moisture to crops. This technique is commonly used for crops like rice, where they thrive in wet conditions. The fields are submerged in water, allowing the plants to absorb the moisture they need. Flood irrigation can be effective in certain situations, but it requires a significant amount of water and careful management to prevent water wastage.
AQUAPONICS AND IT’S TYPES.
Aquaponics is a farming method that combines aquaculture and hydroponics
Aquaculture is breeding, raising and harvesting fish, fish shell and aquatic plants.
Hydroponics is the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil, and can include an aggregate substrate, or growing media, such as vermiculite, coconut coir, or perlite.
In aquaponics, fish are raised in tanks, and their waste, which contains ammonia, is broken down by bacteria into nitrites and then nitrates. These nitrates serve as nutrients for the plants. The plants, in turn, absorb these nutrients and help filter the water for the fish, creating a symbiotic relationship. It's a sustainable and efficient way to grow both fish and plants, and it minimizes water usage. Additionally, you get fresh fish and vegetables all in one system.
Several plants that thrive in aquaponics systems. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are popular choices. Herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro also do well. Other options include tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and strawberries. These plants benefit from the nutrient-rich water provided by the fish waste, and they grow beautifully in aquaponics setups.
CONCLUSIONS
In dry season or absence of rain, plants can grow well with the right supply of water. Excessive rainfall on plants can have a negative effect like water logging, erosion and the risk of washing off essential nutrients in the soil. It’s all about finding a balance and ensuring plants gets adequate supply of water that helps growth without being overwhelmed.
