Abstract
This study investigates the optimum water requirements of Sugarcane planted in different months under rainfall and irrigation management, using CROPWAT model at Finchaa Valley in view of the importance of efficient water use as a key to grow crops and satisfy water demand. Analysis of soil physical properties was performed following the standard field and laboratories procedures and methods. The result of investigation indicated that total and monthly crop (irrigation) water requirement of sugarcane varied with the first watering month, ranging from 1554.6 mm (764.5 mm) to 1677.8 mm (1090.9 mm) with the average value of 1614.45 mm (903.8 mm). per growing season The highest and lowest amount of both rainfall and irrigation water demands were obtained for the first watering month (from irrigation or rainfall) of May and August respectively. The finding of the study also implies that, irrespective of the planting and harvesting months’ irrigation water provision is not required in June, July and August months for sugarcane cultivated in Finchaa Valley under current climatic condition. Thus, applying fixed depth of irrigation water at a fixed frequency to different soil types throughout the growing season probably lower water use efficiency and reduce crop yield. It is recommended to use CROPWAT model for proper and effective irrigation scheduling for efficient use of available water and improved yields of sugarcane. Key words: Sugarcane, first watering month, water requirement, CROPWAT model.
Highlights
Water is the primary input for plant growth and food production
The aim of this study is to determine rainfall water and irrigation water requirement of sugarcane planted in different months at Finchaa Valley, Western part of Ethiopia
The obtained bulk density of the upper layer of Luvisols is higher than the lower layer. This may be due to lower sprinkler operating pressure that causes the sealing of the surface soil because of the larger drop size produced (Table 1). Another soil physical property important for CROPWAT model is the ability of soil to retain water which is so called, water holding capacity
Summary
Water is the primary input for plant growth and food production. There is a competition among water users as many different uses of water resources are interdependent. Agricultural water use can be affected by other uses and it affects other uses through competition and pollution, respectively (Cap-Net UNDP, 2018). Estimating the volume of water required at different growth stages for cultivated crops is very essential for efficient use of available finite water resources. The knowledge of water requirement of crops allows to get maximum yields through controlling over or under irrigation problems such as water logging or insufficient water at root zone, salinization of soil and water stress to plant which can reduce yields of crops (Michael, 1999; Savva and Freken, 2002; Katerji and Rana, 2008).
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