What is Irrigation Soil?
Irrigation soil may be defined as a natural mass of material on the surface of the earth where plants can grow when the temperature and moisture conditions are favourable.
Functions of Irrigation Soils:
The functions to be performed by a soil for the growth of plant life are:
1) To provide anchor for its roots,
2) To supply water for its transpiration.
3) To supply minerals for its nutrition, and
4) To give oxygen for its metabolism.
To serve these functions, the soil conditions essential for the crop plants are:
i) The soil should have adequate moisture holding capacity to meet the water requirements of the crops either under rainfall or under irrigation.
ii) There should be proper circulation of air to a suitable depth to permit the development of a favourable root system for the plant.
iii) The soil should supply plant nutrients for profitable yields.
iv) It should offer effective resistance to soil erosion or soil depletion under the cropping system involved in profit able management.
v) The soil should be suitable for the culturable implements required for most effective production.
vi) It should be free from adverse chemical conditions such as harmful concentrations of soluble salts and other parasites.
vii) It should encourage the growth of bacteria and other forms of life which make the soil richer in organic matter required for the healthy growth of crops.