Pot irrigation method is more suitable for areas having scanty rainfall. In saline areas where flow irrigation is not suited, pot irrigation method is successful. An earthen pitcher is used in this method. The pitcher is fixed in the ground up to neck.
Holes are made in the pitcher and water is filled in it so that seepage of water through the holes keeps the nearby soil moist. Water is filled in these pitchers at regular intervals. This method can be considered as an alternative of drip irrigation method.
Pot irrigation method can be adopted in the following conditions:
1. Unlevelled land which is uneven.
2. Area having maximum shortage of water.
3. Such difficult areas where supply of fruits and vegetables is difficult and they are costly.
4. Where there is saline water, making surface irrigation difficult.
In this method, distribution of humidity around sides of pitcher is affected by many factors, mainly size of the pitcher, seepage of water per unit of area and type of soil. Humidity is spread in the same proportion as the size of the pitcher. Distance of pitcher also affects the moist area. Normally, distance between two pitchers should be kept so much that the humid area between them does not overlap.
Advantages/Pros/Benefits:
1. In this method, only the area near the pot gets irrigated and not the whole area.
2. Evaporation of water is minimum in this method.
3. Water seepage below the ground is also in minimum quantity.
4. It is the best method for horticulture crops and vegetables.
5. Once the pitchers are fixed, irrigation can be done for six years, which reduces expenditure.
6. It needs minimum technical knowledge.
Defects/Disadvantages:
1. Irrigation in this method is possible in a limited area.
2. This method requires clean water because unclean water would cause blockage of minor holes, which would not be able to provide moisture any longer.
3. It is costly to draw out pitchers again and again and re-fix them.
4. It is not suitable for every crop.