Check basins
Check basins are necessarily rectangular or
square areas measuring about 10-100 m2 or even more with bunds
surrounded by levees or checks, constructed around the area to control the
irrigation water. Construction of small irrigation channels in between two
adjacent rows of beds helps the water to be conveyed to the field by the main
irrigation channels and lateral field channels. This is a water-smart
technology and scientifically designed check basins save about 10-30% water
compared to conventional flooding. Check basin irrigation is suitable for many
field crops including rice and fodder crops that prefer flooded water. Heavy soil with low infiltration rate is preferred for
check basin irrigation.