Irrigation is defined as the process of artificial supply of water to soil for raising crops. It is a science of planning and designing an efficient, low-cost, economic irrigation system tailored to fit natural conditions. It is the engineering of controlling and harnessing the various natural sources of water, by constructing dams and reservoirs, canals and headworks, and finally distributing the water to the agricultural fields. Irrigation engineering includes the study and design of works in connection with river control, drainage of waterlogged areas and generation of hydroelectric power. India is basically an agricultural country and all its resources depend on the agricultural output.
The scope of irrigation is not limited to the application of water to the soil. It deals with all aspects and problems extending from watershed management to the agricultural field. It deals with the design and construction of all works, such as dams, weirs, head regulators, etc., in connection with the storage and diversion of water as well as the problems of subsoil drainage, soil reclamation and water–soil–crop relationship. The scope of irrigation can be divided into two heads.
- Engineering aspect
- Agricultural aspect
The engineering aspect deals with the following:
- Storage, diversion or lifting of water
- Conveyance of water to agricultural fields
- Application of water to agricultural fields
- Drainage and relieving waterlogging
- Development of water power
The agricultural aspect deals with the study of:
- Proper depths of water necessary in a single application of water for various crops
- Distribution of water uniformly and periodically
- Capacities of different soils for irrigation water and the flow of water in soils
- Reclamation of waste and alkaline lands
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