6.1 Name an impurity that could be present in the water, which will make this irrigation method inefficient - NSC Agricultural Technology - Question 6 - 2016 - Paper 1

A suitable solution to overcome this problem is to use a sand filter or a decalcifier to remove impurities from the water.

1. Increasing the efficiency of the pump, which may involve using a more powerful pump or a booster pump.
2. Utilizing gravity to enhance water flow or employing smaller spray nozzles to increase pressure.

High water pressure is crucial for achieving an even coverage of water across the irrigation area. It ensures that the sprayers can function correctly, distributing water effectively and preventing dry zones. Additionally, it enables the spray mechanisms to work efficiently, especially those that require pressurized water for optimal operation.

A practical example of solar energy in an irrigation system is the use of solar-powered water pumps.

If two sprayers deliver 100 litres per minute, then one sprayer will deliver:

$\frac{100 \text{ litres}}{2} = 50 \text{ litres per minute}$.

Thus, in 5 minutes, one sprayer will deliver:

$50 \text{ litres} \times 5 = 250 \text{ litres}$.

If one sprayer delivers 250 litres in 5 minutes and irrigates 5 m², then the amount of water per 1 m² will be:

$\frac{250 \text{ litres}}{5 \text{ m²}} = 50 \text{ litres per m²}$.

Two reasons why this is important are:

1. To prevent overutilization of the water source, thereby ensuring sustainability.
2. To aid in effective irrigation scheduling, which helps optimize crop yields.

1. The tensiometer method, which measures the tension needed for plants to extract water from the soil.
2. The gravimetric method, which involves weighing soil samples before and after drying to determine moisture content.

1. This design prevents grease and oil from blocking the inlet drainage.
2. It allows for efficient drainage of liquefied solids that accumulate at the bottom, ensuring proper flow.

Water from the kitchen sink is often more contaminated with grease and scum, which are not readily decomposable, affecting the effectiveness of the septic system.

1. French drains, which facilitate groundwater drainage.
2. Channel drains, which collect and redirect surface water.

Solid waste particles settle at the bottom of the septic tank and are broken down by bacteria, forming sludge over time.

1. The septic tank should be at a suitable distance from the house to prevent contamination.
2. It should not be located near areas with regular traffic to avoid disruption.

The whole-house water purification system employs a series of filters to cleanse the water. Typically, it uses three paper elements to filter out impurities and reverse osmosis to remove smaller contaminants, ensuring that the water delivered is safe for consumption and use.

1. Brass, known for its durability.
2. Plastic, often used for its lightweight properties.