ADVERTISEMENTS:
Some of the most important factors affecting the demand of water for crops are as follows: 1. Nature of Crops 2. Nature of Soil 3. Effect of Climatic Factors 4. Effect of Nature of Irrigation 5. Attack of Pests and Diseases.
1. Nature of Crops:
Different nature of crops needs different quantity of water. For example, more quantity of water is needed for rice and sugarcane, lesser quantity for bajra and jowar. Duration of crop and stage of growth also determines the demand of water.
Long duration crops need more water, whereas shorter duration crops need lesser water. Demand for water also depends on growth time of plants. For example, in earlier stages, plants need less water whereas more water is required in their growth period. Structure of plant roots also affects demand for water. Deeper the roots, the more water they retain.
2. Nature of Soil:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Water retention capacity depends on composition and compaction of soil. Crops sown in sandy soils need more water because of more infiltration rate. Likewise, surface soils need more water as compared to deeper soils. Soil fertility directly decides necessary quantity of water for the plants.
In soils having lower fertility, evaporation is also more. Water discharge in different types of soil also affects its status, in waterlogged soils, plants utilize lesser water due to lesser evaporation. Thus, in cases of faulty discharge of water, plants need lesser water.
3. Effect of Climatic Factors:
The particular climate for sowing crops also affects it. Crops sown in summer, needs more water as compared to crops sown in winter because there is more evaporation during summer. Similarly, extent of humidity also affects demand for water.
Demand for water decreases during rains. Winds provide speed to evaporation. Lesser winds will reduce demand. Duration of the day and direct or indirect sunrays also affect demand of water. Higher temperature will increase evaporation resulting in more demand for water.
4. Effect of Nature of Irrigation:
Irrigation system direct!, affects demand for water. Water leakage in flow system of drams requires more water. Drop irrigation or spray system require 60 to 7C per cent less water. Supply system of water from water source to fields also affects demand for water. Leakage and seepage in drains cause heavy loss of water. If such drains were constructed pucca, there would be lesser use of water.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
5. Attack of Pests and Diseases:
Various crop diseases also affect the demand for water because growth does not take place in diseased plants whereas they need regular supply of water. Quality of irrigation water used in crops, agricultural practices, and soil preparation methods also affect demand for water. Thus, admixture of type of agriculture and sources of irrigation directly affect the demand for water.