The factors affecting the duty of water in irrigation are as follows:
i. Soil Characteristics:
If soil of canal bed is porous and course grained, → more seepage loss, → low duty
If soil of canal bed is alluvial, → less seepage loss, → high duty
ii. Climatic condition:
High temperature, → more evaporation loss, → low duty
Vice versa.
iii. Rainfall
Rainfall during crop period is sufficient → more duty
iv. Type of crop
Water requirements for various crops are different.
Varies from crop to crop.
v. Topography of agricultural land
Uneven land → low duty
Plain land → High duty
vi. Method of ploughing
Ploughing by bulls → Low duty
Ploughing by tractors → High duty
vii. Method of irrigation
Perennial Irrigation system → high duty
Inundation Irrigation system → low duty.
viii. Method of cultivation
Correctly ploughing up to specified depth → Soil holds more water → high duty