What does "rain-fed" mean in agricultural terms?

In agricultural terms, "rain-fed" refers specifically to the reliance on natural precipitation as the primary source of water for growing crops. This means that the water needed for the crops comes directly from rainfall, without the aid of artificial irrigation systems. Rain-fed agriculture is particularly significant in areas where water resources are limited, and it emphasizes the importance of managing rainfall and soil moisture effectively to sustain crop growth.

This term contrasts with other water supply methods, such as irrigation systems, which artificially convey water to crops through channels or pipes, and does not involve reliance on rainfall. Similarly, water collected from rivers and lakes typically pertains to irrigation practices rather than rain-fed systems, which rely entirely on the naturally occurring climatic conditions. Lastly, crops that require constant irrigation indicate a dependency on water provided by artificial means, further differentiating them from rain-fed crops that depend solely on the availability of rainwater.