Irrigation Canal

The canals used for irrigation purposes are called irrigation canals. 

Classification of canals

Irrigation canals are classified according to :

1. Type of soil

2. Nature of supply

3. Funds available

Classification based upon the type of soil

Canals are classified depending upon the soil through which they flow or of which they are made as follows: 

1. Alluvial canals

2. Non-alluvial canals

          1. Alluvial canals:

The canals which pass through the alluvial soils are called alluvial canals . The soil which is formed due to silt deposition is called alluvial soil.

               2.Non-alluvial canals

The canals which pass through non-alluvial(i.e. rocky plain areas) soils are called non- alluvial canals.

 Classification based upon the nature of water supply 

1.Perennial or permanent canals

2. Non-perennial or inundation canals

1. Perennial canals:

The canal in which water is available through out the year are called perennial canals.

               2.Non perennial canals

The canals in which water is available only during monsoons are called non-perennial or inundation canals. 

Classification based upon the funds available:

1. Protective canals

2. Productive canals

           

               1. Protective canals:

These are constructed in the interest of the public without any income are called protective canals.

                2. Productive canals

These canals are constructed for income by means of water charges, sale of trees and fruits etc.