The Advantages and Disadvantages of Contour Irrigation

Describes how farmers can use contour-furrow irrigation as a means of preventing soil erosion and maintaining even watering of crops.

Advantages/Benefits/Pros:

1. It is more efficient method of irrigation arid ensures uniform application of water.
2. It has good control on irrigation water and high water application efficiency.
3. Though the Initial cost is high, it requires less labour and has low maintenance cost.
4. Wastage of water and soil erosion is reduced as there is bund around the basin.

Disadvantages/Cons/Drawbacks:

1. There are too many ridges which occupy the larger area of land. It involves the wastage of land.
2. Lay out requirement in land preparation and irrigation is much bigger in check basin irrigation as compared to other methods.
3. Repairing of ridges and careful supervision during irrigation is needed.
4. Uneven distribution of water within the plot.
5. The method impedes surface drainage, precise land grading and shaping are required.