The roots of plants absorb soil water dissolved minerals. The major source of water to plants is the rain that seeps into the ground. When it is not sufficient irrigation is used, ie the land is watered artificially. For the artificial irrigation, water is drawn from rivers and streams, lakes and underground through wells or boreholes, and is generally distributed through channels. There are two principles which are based irrigation systems: gravity and pressure. In gravity irrigation systems, water is allowed to flow furrow or flood growing areas. In the methods pressurized, water is distributed through pipes or hoses to sprinkler (sprinkler irrigation) or drip (drip irrigation), which supplies water as rain or droplets. While these last two methods are more expensive, are much more efficient, meaning that the amount of water that is wasted is reduced. The choice of system mainly depends on the culture and economic investment that the farmer is willing to make.
Several documents attest that the Persians, the Babylonians and Egyptians were experts in artificial irrigation techniques, already used in 3200 BC
No sooner out of Prehistory, the Asian peoples of Mesopotamia and the valley of the Nile to irrigate their orchards began diverting water from its rivers.
What is hydroponics?
This method is mainly used to grow vegetables and fruits in sterile substrates, through which is pumped a solution of water and salts that is prepared according to the specific needs of each crop.