Question

Which of the following is NOT a micro-irrigation system?

• A. Sprinkler irrigation
• B. Pitcher pot irrigation
• C. Drip irrigation
• D. Furrow irrigation

Hint:

Micro-irrigation systems (such as drip, micro-sprinklers, and pitcher irrigation) apply water under low pressure directly to the root zone.
Furrow, border, and basin methods are gravity-driven surface irrigation systems.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Micro-irrigation refers to pressurized irrigation systems that apply water slowly, at low pressure, and directly to the localized root zone of plants.
These systems minimize water losses from evaporation, runoff, and deep percolation, improving water use efficiency.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Micro-irrigation methods deliver water directly to the plant's root zone through emitters, porous pots, or small nozzles:
1. Drip irrigation: Delivers water directly to the soil surface or subsurface near plant roots through emitters or drippers.
2. Pitcher pot irrigation: Uses buried porous clay pots that slowly release water to the surrounding root zone via capillary action.
3. Sprinkler irrigation: Is a pressurized system that distributes water over the field.
While large-field sprinklers are classified as macro-pressurized systems, micro-sprinklers are grouped under localized micro-irrigation.
In contrast, Furrow irrigation is a traditional surface gravity irrigation method.
In this system, water is directed down small, sloped channels (furrows) running parallel to crop rows.
Water infiltrates horizontally and vertically into the soil as it flows down the furrow.
Because it relies on open channel flow and gravity, furrow irrigation is associated with high water losses from deep percolation, tailwater runoff, and surface evaporation.
Therefore, it is classified as a surface irrigation system rather than a micro-irrigation system.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Furrow irrigation is not a micro-irrigation system, which corresponds to Option (D).