IMPROVING WATER PRODUCTIVITY OF BEANS THROUGH DOUBLE RIDGE FURROW IRRIGATION METHOD

Abstract

Food security and water resources are in danger as a result of water scarcity and there is a need to produce more crop yields with less water. Consequently, adopting new efficient irrigation methods is crucially important to sustain population growth. This study compared the effects of applying two different surface irrigation methods (traditional furrow and double ridge furrow irrigation methods) on yield, water productivity of dry beans in sandy loam soils taking two irrigation intervals into consideration. Different irrigation treatments were compared in terms of beneficial water use and economical water productivity for the two irrigation methods. Comparing the results obtained from different treatments, the double ridge furrow method is advantageous in comparison with traditional furrow irrigation in terms of water saving. It was obvious that double ridge furrow method can at least save 40-50% of water which can directly expand the cultivated area in the Nile Delta and Valley. As a result of saving water, beans water productivity increased by 41 and 34% over the traditional furrow method. The results therefore showed that double ridge furrow method can be a robust irrigation method to increase water productivity by applying less irrigation water while having higher yields.