(a) Define the term irrigation. (b) List six sources of water for irrigation- (c) Give three reasons why irrigation schemes are necessary in Nigeria. (d) State two similarities and three differences between sprinkler and surface irrigation
Explanation
(a) Irrigation is defined as the artificial application of water to the soil for farming purposes.
(b) Six sources of water for irrigation are: (i) Rivers (ii) Lakes (iii) Streams (iv) Dams (v) Bore holes (vi) Ponds
(c) Benefits of irrigation facilities in Nigeria are:(i) It ensures early planting of crops. (ii) It ensures greater productivity of crops. (iii) It corrects soil salinity. (iv) It enables farmers to grow crops throughout the year.
(d) Two similarities between surface and sprinkler irrigation are: (i) Both are artificial methods of applying water to crops. (ii) Both require water pump to lift water from source.
Three differences between surface and sprinkler irrigation are:
Surface irrigation Sprinkler irrigation
(i) It is cheap It is expensive
(ii) It requires gentle slope It is suitable for lands with all kinds of slopes
(iii) It is easy to operate It requires skill