Irrigation systems have played an essential role in the development of human civilization. Now, many people use them as part of an overall lawn care routine, making sure their grass and plants get the nutrients they need. However, for most of history, these systems have served agricultural purposes. Without them, early human civilizations would not have grown enough food to support their own development. That’s why it pays to take a quick look back at their history.

What You Should Know About the History of Irrigation Systems

Early Stages

Ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian peoples were the first to successfully control the flow of water. The Egyptians used rudimentary techniques to direct overflowing water from the Nile towards areas where it would do the least damage.

Eventually, prehistoric Mexican civilizations also developed their own irrigation techniques. Starting around 500 B.C.E., they began constructing dams, excavating canals, and creating channels for stream beds.

New Developments

In North America, the Hohokam tribe of Native Americans began using irrigation systems for agriculture starting approximately 2000 years ago. Researchers do not completely know when these developments came about, but they do know that they used large networks of canals to support agriculture over wide areas. Due to their proximity to Mexico, they may have learned how to construct these networks from early Mexican civilizations.

Around the year 900, the Anasazi peoples of New Mexico began incorporating masonry into their canals to more successfully control where water flowed. This allowed them to provide water from canyon and mesa runoff to at least nine different towns.

Need an irrigation system for your property? Get in touch with Oasis Landscapes & Irrigation. This team has provided lawn care and landscaping services in and around Columbia, MO, since 1989. They work with both commercial and residential clients, helping you keep your lawn in great shape throughout the year. Contact them online for more information, or call (573) 446-0858 to set up an appointment.