Final answer:
A Wheel line irrigation system is an agricultural system used for watering rectangular fields and represents an advancement in agricultural mechanization. It differs from center-pivot systems, which water circular fields, in both structure and irrigation patterns. This technology reflects the significant progression from historical labor-intensive irrigation practices to modern efficient farming systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Wheel line irrigation system, also known as a lateral move irrigation or side roll system, is an agricultural irrigation system that involves a series of large wheels supporting a water supply pipe. Unlike the center-pivot irrigation systems which create circular fields, wheel line systems are used to irrigate rectangular fields. The water is pumped from a well or reservoir and travels through the pipe as the system rolls across the field. This type of irrigation is part of the broader category of agricultural mechanization, which has allowed a single farmer to produce larger quantities of crops with more consistency and efficiency. Especially when compared to the historical methods, such as the labor-intensive irrigation systems used in medieval Egypt, modern irrigation technologies like wheel lines and center pivots represent significant advancements in the ability to manage water resources for farming.
These advancements in agricultural mechanization have drastically changed the landscape of farming, reducing the labor required for various farming activities and increasing the potential yield from the land. Such systems demonstrate the intersection of hydraulic and mechanical lever systems used in heavy machinery, allowing for large-scale agriculture with improved productivity and sustainability.