In which method of irrigation, the entire field is divided into number of levelled plots surrounded by levees ?

Question

Prepp Team · Accepted Answer

Understanding Irrigation Methods

The question asks about a specific method of irrigation where the entire agricultural field is organized into distinct, levelled sections or plots. These plots are clearly defined and separated from one another by elevated earthen banks, which are commonly known as levees or bunds. We need to identify which standard irrigation technique matches this description.

Analyzing the Characteristics of the Irrigation Method

Key characteristics mentioned in the question are:

The entire field is involved.
It is divided into a number of plots.
These plots are levelled.
The plots are surrounded by levees (or bunds).

Let's look at the options provided and see which method aligns best with these features.

Examining Different Irrigation Methods

Here's a brief overview of the irrigation methods listed in the options:

Irrigation Method	Description	Match to Question?
Basin Method	Water is applied to level areas enclosed by bunds. Often used for orchards, rice, or small, flat plots. The entire area within the bund is flooded.	Involves levelled areas surrounded by bunds, but typically on a smaller scale or for specific crops, not always the entire field divided into multiple plots in the way the question implies for general field crops.
Furrow Method	Water flows in channels (furrows) created between crop rows. The water seeps sideways and downwards to irrigate the roots.	Does not involve dividing the entire field into levelled plots surrounded by levees. It uses channels between crop rows.
Check Method	The field is divided into a series of checks or plots of various sizes and shapes, typically rectangular or square, by constructing earthen banks (levees). Each check is levelled or nearly levelled. Water is released into a check and allowed to spread over the surface.	Directly matches the description: dividing the entire field into levelled plots (checks) surrounded by levees (earthen banks).
Border Strip Method	The field is divided into long, narrow strips separated by low earth banks (borders). Water flows down the strip from the upper end as a sheet.	Involves division and banks, but the areas are long strips, not typically referred to as 'plots' in the same sense as in basin or check methods, and the primary movement of water is flow down the strip, not flooding a contained, levelled plot.

Identifying the Correct Irrigation Method

Based on the analysis, the method where the entire field is divided into a number of levelled plots surrounded by levees is most accurately described by the Check method. This technique is specifically designed for irrigating flat or gently sloping land by containing the water within defined, levelled areas or "checks" using earthen banks.

The Basin method is similar but often implies smaller areas or individual basins around plants. The Furrow method uses channels, not plots. The Border strip method uses long strips, not plots surrounded on all sides like checks.

Revision Table: Comparing Surface Irrigation Types

Method	Field Preparation	Water Application	เหมาะสำหรับ (Suitable For)
Basin	Small, level plots surrounded by bunds.	Flooding the entire basin.	Trees, orchards, rice, high-value crops, small plots.
Furrow	Parallel channels (furrows) between crop rows.	Water flows in furrows; infiltrates sideways/downwards.	Row crops (corn, potatoes, vegetables).
Check	Larger, level or near-level plots (checks) surrounded by levees.	Flooding each check.	Field crops (wheat, alfalfa, pasture) on flat or gently sloping land.
Border Strip	Long, narrow strips separated by low borders.	Water flows down the strip as a sheet.	Close-growing crops (alfalfa, pasture, small grains) on uniform slopes.

Additional Information on Check Irrigation

The Check method is a type of surface irrigation. It's widely used for crops like wheat, barley, sorghum, and forage crops grown on medium to heavy soils where water spread is relatively slow. The size and shape of the checks depend on factors like the slope of the land, soil type, water flow rate, and the crop being grown. Proper leveling within the check is crucial for uniform water distribution and efficient irrigation. Levees must be well-constructed to prevent breaches and ensure water is retained within the check until it infiltrates.