DRAINAGE

Drainage is an essential aspect of agriculture and environmental management, we can define

drainage as the natural or artificial removal of excess water from a given area, in order to avoid
flooding, waterlogging, erosion, maintain soil health and efficiently manage water resources.

Types of Drainage

1. Surface Drainage: this involves the removal of excess water from the land surface naturally
by the action of gravity or artificial means by constructing open or closed ditches, gutter
channels etc.

2. Subsurface Drainage: Removal of water from beneath the land surface through tile drains,
French drains or by using perforated pipes to collect underground water and discharge it
appropriately.

Importance of Drainage:

1. Prevents Waterlogging: Reduces soil erosion, nutrient depletion and crop damage.

2. Reduces Flood Risk: Drainage system reduces the chances of flooding thereby protects crop
fields, lives and properties.

3. Maintains Soil Health: Prevents salinization, nutrient imbalance, and soil degradation.

4. Supports Agriculture: Enables irrigation, crop growth, and farm productivity.

5. Enhances Environmental Quality: Mitigates water pollution thereby protecting aquatic

ecosystems.

Factors to consider when constructing or choosing drainage systems:

1. Topography: Slope, elevation, and landform influence drainage patterns.

2. Soil Type: Permeability, porosity, and texture affect water infiltration and flow. Soils that
allow rapid infiltration/permeability normally requires drainage this is because there will be too
much water in those soils than needed for sufficient crop growth.
3. Climate: Precipitation intensity, frequency, and duration impact drainage needs, areas that
experiences less precipitation normally have less need for drainage.

4. Land Use: Agricultural, urban, or natural areas require different drainage approaches.

5. Crop type: The type of crop and its water requirement is an important factor to consider
because water needs differ between crops. The higher the water requirement the lesser the need
for drainage and or amount of water to be drained.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is the practice of using water efficiently and reducing waste to ensure a
sustainable supply for future generations. In agriculture, water conservation is crucial due to the
increasing global demand for food and water.

Methods used by farmers to conserve water:

1. Drip Irrigation: Delivers water directly to the roots, reducing evaporation and runoff.

2. Sprinkler Irrigation: Uses sprinklers to distribute water evenly, reducing waste and runoff.

3. Crop Selection: Choosing drought-tolerant or water-efficient crops.

4. Soil Mulching: Reduces evaporation, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds.

5. Conservation Tillage: Reduces soil disturbance which in turn ensures moisture in the soil is
preserved.

6. Rainwater Harvesting Storage: Collects and stores rainwater in reservoirs and ponds for
irrigation during dry season.

7. Precision Irrigation: Uses sensors, GPS and data analytics to optimize water application.

8. Soil Conservation: Practices like contour farming, terracing, and buffer strips reduce erosion
and retain soil moisture.

9. Irrigation Scheduling: Optimizes water application based on weather, soil, and crop
conditions.
10. Watershed Management: Protects and restores natural watersheds to maintain water quality
and quantity.

Irrigation scheduling and crop water requirements are crucial aspects of efficient water use in
agriculture.

Irrigation Scheduling:

Irrigation scheduling involves determining the optimal timing and amount of water to apply to
crops. The goal is to meet crop water requirements while minimizing waste and environmental
impact.

Factors Affecting Irrigation Scheduling:

1. Crop Water Requirements

2. Soil Moisture Levels

3. Weather Conditions

4. Soil Type and Properties

5. Irrigation System Capacity and Efficiency

Crop Water Requirements

Crop water requirements refers to the amount of water needed by individual crops, this vary by
crop type, growth stage, weather conditions and time of the year.

Methods for Determining Crop Water Requirements

1. Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI): Measures plant water stress through infrared thermometry.

2. Soil Moisture Monitoring: Uses sensors to track soil moisture levels.

3. Evapotranspiration (ET) Modeling: Estimates water loss through evaporation and
transpiration.

4. Water Balance Approach: Accounts for precipitation, irrigation, runoff, and soil moisture
changes.

Water Requirements for Common Crops:

1. Corn: 20-25 inches (500-600 mm) per growing season.

2. Soybeans: 18-22 inches (450-550 mm) per growing season.

3. Wheat: 15-20 inches (375-500 mm) per growing season.

4. Cotton: 25-30 inches (600-750 mm) per growing season.

Water requirement at some different crop growth stages

1. Seedling Stage: High water requirements for establishment.

2. Vegetative Growth Stage: Moderate water requirements for growth.

3. Reproductive Stage: High water requirements for fruiting and grain filling.

4. Maturation Stage: Reduced water requirements as crops mature.

Irrigation scheduling and crop water requirements are critical components of efficient irrigation
management. By understanding these factors and using appropriate methods, farmers can
optimize water application, reduce waste, and promote sustainable agriculture practices.

Water stress

Water stress can significantly impact crop growth, leading to reduced yields, lower quality
produce, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. This happens when the crop’s water
requirement is not met. As such water stress in crops/plants can be said to be a diseased situation
caused by the insufficient water levels in plants. Symptoms arising from water stress include;
A. Physical Effects

1. Reduced Leaf Area: Water stress leads to smaller leaves or leaf shedding, reducing
photosynthesis and growth.

2. Stunted Growth: Water-stressed plants grow more slowly, resulting in shorter stature and
reduced biomass as a result of impaired nutrient uptake.

3. Root Growth Inhibition: Water stress can limit root growth, reducing the plant's ability to
absorb water and nutrients.

B. Physiological Effects

1. Photosynthesis Reduction: Water stress impairs photosynthesis, reducing the plant's ability to
produce energy.

2. Hormonal Imbalance: Water stress disrupts hormonal balances, affecting plant growth and
development.

3. Osmotic Stress: Water stress causes osmotic stress, leading to cellular damage and disrupted
metabolic processes.

C. Yield and Quality Effects

1. Reduced Yields: Water stress can significantly reduce crop yields, leading to economic losses.

2. Lower Quality Produce: Water-stressed crops may have reduced quality, making them less
marketable.

3. Increased Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases: Water-stressed plants are more vulnerable to
pests and diseases.

D. Crop-Specific Effects

1. Drought-Sensitive Crops: Crops like corn, soybeans, and cotton are highly sensitive to water
stress.
2. Drought-Tolerant Crops: Crops like wheat, sorghum, and millet are more resistant to water
stress.

Stages of Water Stress

1. Mild Stress: Plants may recover quickly from mild water stress.

2. Moderate Stress: Plants may experience reduced growth and yields.

3. Severe Stress: Plants may suffer significant damage or death.

Managing Water Stress

1. Irrigation Management: Optimize irrigation scheduling and application.

2. Drought-Tolerant Varieties: Plant drought-tolerant crop varieties especially those with deep
roots.

3. Soil Conservation: Implement conservation tillage and mulching to reduce soil moisture loss.

4. Water Harvesting: Collect and store rainwater for irrigation.

5. Osmotic adjustment: Accumulation of compatible solute concentration around plant cell and
it’s environment.

By understanding the effects of water stress on crop growth, farmers and agricultural managers
can take proactive steps to mitigate its impacts and ensure resilient and productive crops.