Irrigation techniques are methods of supplying water to crops when rainfall is not enough. The goal is to ensure plants get enough moisture for healthy growth and good yields.
Different systems are used depending on resources and type of crop. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots and is popular for high-value crops like tomatoes and capsicum.
Sprinkler irrigation spreads water over the field like rain and is common for vegetables and lawns. Furrow irrigation, where water flows in channels between crop rows, is widely practiced in smallholder farms.Large irrigation schemes, such as Mwea, use canals to grow rice. Choosing the right technique depends on water availability, cost, and crop type.
See also: Water harvesting, Greenhouse farming, Soil fertility, Crop rotation, Farm mechanization