Irrigation made easy part 9:
Flood irrigation
Labour usage in flood irrigation is high
Irrigation efficiencies
Labour usage with all flood irrigation systems is high. At least three labourers per ten-hectare block will be needed to control the distribution of water in the field.
100 80 60
Maintenance of flood irrigation systems should be done on a regular basis
40
Maintenance is important with flood irrigation systems. Systems should not be expected to last for more than five years without major repairs and upgrading of systems. Minor maintenance operations will be required on a regular basis, with not more than one week between operations.
20 0 Very good management Normal Poor management
Low pressure is sufficient for flood irrigation R
2
R
BA
B
A
BA
24
1
R
3
A
ll around the world the traditional system of irrigation through flooding the lands is still the most widely used method. Flood irrigation systems are cheaper than other types of systems, but management is always critically important. Unless the system is well maintained and controlled, the irrigation efficiencies achieved are likely to be very low.
Flood irrigation systems normally operate with open channel flow and flow across the land. The operation of these systems does not involve supplying water under pressure. Pumping may be needed to transfer water from the source into canals. Low pressures can also develop in piped distribution networks.
ProAgri Zambia 59
