Irrigation is the supply of water for agriculture. Irrigation can cause the soil to (re)consolidate. When this occurs, tillage is again needed.
Avoiding the need of irrigation
A well designed agricultural field is made in such a fashion that no irrigation is needed at all, except for in dry periods. To make sure of this, use crops that match the water availability (soil water). In addition, use a correct planting density (space between crops). This as having too many plants at an agricultural field drains off too much water. Finally, the planting pattern may also be optimized. Spreading the plants as good as possible over the field (ie using a checkers-pattern rather than simple rows with spaces) is thus advised).
Notes and references
See also
- Soil_quality#Water_in_the_soil
- Irrigation methods
- Drip line placement
- Drip irrigation
- Wick-based irrigation
- Groundwater recharge