Applications
- Rainwater collection or harvesting
- Hydroponics is the process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil.
- Surface irrigation water is distributed over and across the land by gravity, with no mechanical pump involved.
- Localized irrigation water is distributed under low pressure, through a piped network, and applied to each plant.
- Drip irrigation is a type of localized irrigation in which drops of water are delivered at or near the root of plants. In this type of irrigation, evaporation and runoff are minimized.
- Sprinkler irrigation distributes water by overhead high-pressure sprinklers or guns from a central location in the field or from sprinklers on moving platforms.
- Center pivot irrigation distributes water by a system of sprinklers that move on wheeled towers in a circular pattern. This system is common in flat areas of the United States.
- Lateral move irrigation distributes water through a series of pipes, each with a wheel and a set of sprinklers, which are rotated either by hand or with a purpose-built mechanism. The sprinklers move a certain distance across the field and then need to have the water hose reconnected for the next distance. This system tends to be less expensive but requires more labour than others.
- Sub-irrigation distributes water across the land by raising the water table through a system of pumping stations, canals, gates, and ditches. This type of irrigation is most effective in areas with high water tables.
- Manual irrigation distributes water across land through manual labour and watering cans. This system is very labor-intensive.