Irrigation Engineering MCQs

Which term defines the total quantity of water required by a crop during the entire growing period?

• Delta

• Duty

• Base period

• Intensity of irrigation

Answer explanation

The term 'Delta' refers to the total quantity of water a crop needs throughout its growing period. It is crucial for understanding irrigation requirements, unlike the other options which pertain to different aspects of water management.

What is the unit of 'duty' in irrigation engineering?

• m³/sec

• hectare/cumec

• liters/second

• mm/day

Answer explanation

In irrigation engineering, 'duty' refers to the area irrigated per unit of water flow. The correct unit is hectare/cumec, which indicates how many hectares can be irrigated by one cubic meter per second of water.

Which component of a hydrograph indicates the time between the start of a storm and the peak discharge?

• Falling limb

• Rising limb

• Time of concentration

• Lag time

Answer explanation

Lag time is the component of a hydrograph that measures the duration between the onset of rainfall and the peak discharge. It reflects how quickly the watershed responds to the storm.

A contour canal is laid along which direction relative to contour lines?

• Perpendicular

• Along

• Zigzag

• Random

Answer explanation

A contour canal is constructed along the contour lines to effectively manage water flow and reduce soil erosion. This ensures that the canal follows the natural shape of the land, making 'Along' the correct choice.

What is the primary purpose of a barrage?

• Storage of water

• Hydroelectric generation

• Diversion of water into canals

• Sediment control

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of a barrage is to divert water into canals for irrigation and other uses. While it can also aid in water storage and sediment control, its main function is water diversion.

Which type of dam is most suitable for narrow gorges with strong abutments?

• Earthen dam

• Rockfill dam

• Arch dam

• Gravity dam

Answer explanation

An arch dam is most suitable for narrow gorges with strong abutments because its curved design efficiently transfers the water pressure to the canyon walls, making it ideal for such locations.

The area commanded by a canal system and irrigated in a particular season is called?

• Gross command area

• Cultivable command area

• Intensity of irrigation

• Seasonal irrigation area

Answer explanation

The area commanded by a canal system for irrigation in a specific season is referred to as the 'Seasonal irrigation area'. This term specifically denotes the area actively irrigated during that season.

In which structure does the canal cross over a drainage?

• Syphon

• Aqueduct

• Super passage

• Canal fall

Answer explanation

An aqueduct is a structure designed to transport water across a gap, often crossing over drainage areas. This makes it the correct choice for the question about a canal crossing over a drainage.

Which structure allows water to escape safely from a reservoir when it is full?

• Head regulator

• Weir

• Spillway

• Canal outlet

Answer explanation

A spillway is designed to safely release excess water from a reservoir when it reaches full capacity, preventing overflow and potential damage. It directs water away from the dam in a controlled manner.

The difference between gross and culturable command area is:

• Area not available for cultivation

• Water loss due to seepage

• Area covered by buildings and roads

• Water not delivered to fields

Answer explanation

The gross command area includes all land, while the culturable command area refers to land actually available for cultivation. Thus, the difference represents the area not available for cultivation.