Effect of furrow irrigation methods and deficit irrigation levels on yield and water productivity of onion ( Allium cepa L.) at Amibara, Middle Awash Valley, Ethiopia.

Nigusie Abebe Sori,Jemal Mohammed Hassen,Kebede Nanesa Tufa,Wondimu Tolcha Adugna,Fikadu Robi Borana

doi:10.31220/agrirxiv.2021.00045

Nigusie Abebe Sori, Jemal Mohammed Hassen + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.31220/agrirxiv.2021.00045

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Abstract

Abstract Background: Deficit irrigation is one of the techniques used to enhance water productivity without significant yield loss in semiarid areas. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Werer, Middle Awash Valley during the dry season of 2017/18, 2018/19 and, 2019/20 for three consecutive years to investigate the effects of deficit irrigation levels and furrow irrigation methods on onion yield and water productivity. Split plot design with three replications, in which the irrigation methods (Conventional, Fixed and Alternate Furrow) were assigned to the main plot and the three deficit levels (100% ETc, 75% ETc and 50% ETc), were in the sub-plot. Results: Results indicate that marketable onion bulb yield and water productivity were highly affected by the interaction effect of furrow irrigation methods and irrigation levels (p < 0.05). The highest bulb yield (17580.43 kg ha - ) and water productivity (11.79 kg/m3) were obtained from conventional furrow irrigation method with100% ETc and alternate furrow irrigation with 50% ETc respectively. Considering water saved and maximum yield, Onion irrigated by AFI 100% ETC resulted in a 15% yield reduction with up to 50% irrigation water saving as compared to CFI 100% ETc. Conclusion: The present study suggests that, under water limiting conditions, adopting alternate furrow irrigation with 100% ETc can be an alternative to increase water productivity without significant yield reduction.

Highlights

A field experiment was conducted at Werer, Middle Awash Valley during the dry season of 2017/18, 2018/19 and, 2019/20 for three consecutive years to investigate the effects of deficit irrigation levels and furrow irrigation methods on onion yield and water productivity
Results indicate that marketable onion bulb yield and water productivity were highly affected by the interaction effect of furrow irrigation methods and irrigation levels (p< 0.05)
Considering water saved and maximum yield, Onion irrigated by AFI 100% ETC resulted in a 15% yield reduction with up to 50% irrigation water saving as compared to CFI 100% ETc

Summary

Introduction

Water scarcity has received global attention in the last decade as it challenges food security in arid and semi-arid regions (Nouri et al 2018). In the semi-arid areas of Ethiopia, water is the most limiting factor for crop production. Considering the high competition among irrigation water users and the scarcity of irrigation water in the area, this research was conducted to identify furrow irrigation methods and the level of deficit irrigation that enhance water productivity without significant yield loss. According to long-term climatic data, the area is semiarid; with monthly evapotranspiration is greater than monthly rainfall (Fig 2). This indicates irrigation is the paramount importance to sustain crop production in the area. Deficit irrigation is one of the techniques used to enhance water productivity without significant yield loss in semiarid areas

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Conclusion