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Irrigation systems are designed to provide water in a controlled manner. The essential types of Japanese agricultural irrigation systems are listed below:
Sprinkler irrigation
A widely used irrigation method is sprinkler irrigation, which resembles natural rainfall. This irrigation system comprises a water supply pipeline dragged along the field and a water pump that atomizes water through nozzles. Recently, a portable PVC irrigation system in Japan was used to replace heavy iron pipes.
Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation, also known as drop-by-drop irrigation, is a method of supplying water directly to the roots of plants. In this irrigation system, water flows through a precise control device from a main pipeline or storage container to each plant. Due to its effective water management and resource conservation, this system has gained popularity in arid and semi-arid regions.
Surface irrigation
Gravity flow water is used in surface irrigation, also known as flood irrigation, to irrigate the fields. The basin, border, furrow, and flood irrigation method are commonly used surface irrigation techniques. However, surface irrigation is not appropriate for all terrains, especially hilly areas.
Semi-automated irrigation
Semi-automated irrigation systems enable farmers to irrigate their crops promptly, although they still need to rely on manual labor for irrigation. In general, these systems improve the efficiency of irrigation.
Automated irrigation
The automated irrigation system is the most advanced and does not depend on rainfall. This method uses sensors, controllers, and water delivery systems to provide water to crops. It is convenient but costly.
Implementation Scale
In Japan, irrigation technology varies from large-scale irrigation systems in wide plain regions to small-scale terrace irrigation in mountainous areas. In plains, for example, sprinkler irrigation is widely used because machinery can cover large areas.
Irrigation Water Sources
The quality of water is crucial to crop growth. Water should be abundant and easily reachable. Common sources of irrigation water include underground water, surface water, rainwater, and reclaimed water.
Automation
Many farms in Japan use automated irrigation systems. Those systems use sensors to find out how warm and wet the soil is. Then, depending on the sensor results, the irrigation robots put the right amount of water in.
Irrigation System
Irrigation methods popular in Japan include drip irrigation, surface irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and underground water tube irrigation:
Drip irrigation: suitable for orchards, greenhouses, and barren lands where water conservation and precise fertilization are required.
Surface irrigation: fit for flat topography, suitable for paddy fields and cash crops.
Sprinkler irrigation: applicable to various crop cultivation and landscape green space.
Subsurface irrigation: suitable for sandy soil and high salinity soil.
System Durability
The irrigation systems used in Japan are built to last. Lots of them use materials that don't rust or wear out easily. For example, plastic pipes that resist UV radiation are used. These have a long lifespan and need little maintenance. Go for products with a long lifespan and low maintenance needs.
Component Inspection
Users need to check the Japanese irrigation system's components regularly, such as pumps, valves, pipes, nozzles, and pressure gauges. They should look for any signs of damage, such as clogs, leaks, or corrosion. Then, they repair or replace the damaged components promptly.
System Cleaning
In order to ensure the smooth operation of the irrigation system, users need to clean the irrigation equipment periodically to remove the dirt, algae, sediment, etc. Following the manufacturers' instructions carefully to avoid damaging the equipment during cleaning.
Operation and Management
Users should develop a scientific and reasonable irrigation schedule according to the soil moisture, crop growth, weather conditions, etc. They also need to check the water quality of the irrigation water periodically to avoid using contaminated water to harm crop growth.
Smart agriculture and precision farming:
The application of technology-driven irrigation techniques is prevalent in the realm of intelligent agriculture and precision farming. Drip irrigation systems in Japan can be automated to give precise water volumes at specific times, giving crops the exact amount of moisture they require to grow. Sensor-based irrigation systems can modify irrigation schedules based on real-time environmental data like soil moisture, temperature, and humidity. Furthermore, efficient irrigation methods such as sprinkles or drip tubes are utilized to prevent water waste and ensure that each plant receives sufficient water.
Vegetable and fruit cultivation:
Effective irrigation systems in Japan are critical in helping support the steady supply of fresh products and the expansion of the vegetable and fruit industry. Greenhouses and open fields are two examples of how irrigation systems are used in fruit and vegetable production to regulate the amount of water utilized. Sprinkler irrigation can effectively distribute water by mimicking natural rainfall, benefiting crops with shallow root systems. Furthermore, systems like subsurface or surface drip irrigation deliver water directly to the roots of the plants, lowering water loss due to evaporation and promoting optimum growth and fruit quality.
Orchard management:
Irrigation systems play a significant role in orchard management. Fruit trees' root systems are encouraged to grow deeper and seek moisture further below the surface when irrigation is appropriately spaced. This natural behavior improves the trees' inherent drought resistance and reduces their need for irrigation, which in turn lowers operating expenses and resource use.
Landscape and public space irrigation:
Notably, irrigation systems in Japan have provided solutions for watering green spaces and public landscapes. This includes parks, roadside trees, public squares, and other places. Specifically, automatic irrigation systems, such as micro-sprinklers, can be set at fixed intervals to spray water mist to trees and flowers, ensuring their growth and decorative effect with less labor.
Greenhouse agriculture:
The high-density planting and controlled environmental conditions of Japanese greenhouse farming call for efficient irrigation solutions. Greenhouses protect plants from environmental variables while providing optimal development circumstances. Irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation and fog irrigation, can control moisture levels and humidity.
Floriculture and nursery production:
Significant production activities for floriculture and seedling production rely heavily on efficient irrigation systems. Automated irrigation methods are used to maintain seedbeds and starter media's moisture levels, ensuring uniform growth and healthy development. The propagation of young plants and delicate flowers requires consistent irrigation to prevent plants from wilting or suffering growth interruptions.
Assess the Types
The three major irrigation systems in Japan each have distinct benefits. Sprinklers will simulate rainfall, making them a versatile pick for various terrains and crop types. Consider them if working with diverse plants. The porous tubing of drip irrigation allows precise water delivery right at root level. Choose it for water-saving efficiency, especially with high-value crops. Lastly, open channels suit flat fields where gravity flow can easily move water. Optimal channel layout minimizes water waste. Let crop types and field features guide system selection or see a sprinkler irrigation system supplier in Japan for more options.
Consider the Water Source
The chosen water source drives irrigation system selection. Deep well water must pass through a robust tube irrigation system. Boreholes often go down far, so drills reach groundwater. Pumps then bring it up for crops. Sprinkler tubes work for well water. Channel irrigation may not if wells are the sole source. Rainwater harvesting systems catch runoff from roofs during dry spells. It stores rain in tanks for irrigation when needed. Tanks keep water until crops need it. The catchment area should be large enough to collect sufficient runoff. Surface water comes from ponds, lakes, or rivers. Surface irrigation channels suit gravity-driven water flow. Design channels to efficiently convey the water.
Think About the Size
Irrigation system selection starts with field size. For small, closely planted crops, consider a low-cost drip irrigation method. Small scale means investment will pay off quickly. Gravity-fed horizontal channels are also spry here. Field tubing must be affordable to fit the small budget. Larger, widely spaced planted areas need more durable systems. Under lower density, water and weeds are spry tubing works fine. Drip irrigation is preferred for large-scale farms with tough field tubing.
Check the Budget
An irrigation scheme must match the budget. Look at initial setup and future repair costs. Economical sprinkler irrigation systems are cheaper to install upfront. Drip costs more, but water savings offset high starting expenses. A channel irrigation plan will cost much less than either tubing plan. Choose based on what is affordable long-term. Durable materials reduce future expenses through less frequent repair. Research total costs over the system's life.
Q1: What is the most advanced irrigation system?
A1: The drip or micro-irrigation system remains the most efficient and advanced method of watering plants. It conserves water and delivers moisture directly to the crops' roots.
Q2: What is the future of irrigation technology?
A2: The future of irrigation technology includes smart sensors, automated systems, rainwater harvesting, solar-powered irrigation, and soil health practices to enhance sustainability.
Q3: How does Japan irrigate its rice fields?
A3: In the past, Japan's farmers relied on rain-fed irrigation, but irrigation canals now support up to 80% of rice cultivation. Farmers in mountainous regions and the northern part of Japan use an Ita-mune method whereby rice paddies resemble staggered steps filled with water.
Q4: What percentage of the world uses drip irrigation?
A4: Globally, only 3% of the total cultivated area employs drip irrigation, highlighting the immense potential for growth and implementation of this water-efficient irrigation technique.
