Explain why the frequency of irrigation of crops is higher in summer season.

The frequency of irrigation is higher in summer season due to increased evaporation rates and higher water demand by crops under elevated temperatures. During summer, intense solar radiation and high atmospheric temperatures cause rapid evaporation of water from the soil surface and increased transpiration from plant leaves, leading to faster depletion of soil moisture. The rate of evapotranspiration—the combined water loss from soil evaporation and plant transpiration—can be two to three times higher in summer compared to cooler seasons, meaning the same amount of water applied lasts for a much shorter period.

Additionally, many summer crops have higher metabolic rates and faster growth during warm conditions, requiring more water for photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and cooling through transpiration. The soil dries out more quickly in hot weather, and plants may experience water stress more rapidly if irrigation is delayed. Wind speed is often higher in summer, further accelerating moisture loss from both soil and plants. To maintain optimal soil moisture levels and prevent crop stress that could reduce yields, farmers must irrigate more frequently during summer—sometimes every 2-3 days for certain vegetables—compared to winter crops that may require irrigation only once every 10-15 days or even less frequently with adequate rainfall.