Performance Evaluation Of Drip Irrigation System Under Onion Crop In Semi-Arid Region Of Eastern Rwanda

Abstract

Efficient irrigation systems are needed not only to reduce environmental hazard but also to promote sustainable utilization of water resources. Drip irrigation is common irrigation systems that can save water and increase crop production by transferring small amounts of water frequently to the periphery of the roots of plants. So far, to establish a better irrigation system, it is necessary to improve onion growth, and yield. The present study was carried out to evaluate drip irrigation in 8 hectares for growing different crop particular onion vegetable at The Fresh Gate East Africa farm located in Rwamagana district, of Eastern province of Rwanda. A research study was conducted from January to May, 2020. The meteorological data were collected and analysed. Soil physical properties like soil texture, bulk density and infiltration rate were determined. The observations on water application through drippers and performance indicators were assessed. The results revealed that the rainfall in the study area is not sufficient in all decades of the months taken for crop period so irrigation is inevitable. The soil of the area is sandy loam and suitable for crop production. The performance indicators like Distribution efficiency (Ed), application efficiency (Ea), field emission uniformity (EUf), Absolute emission uniformity (EUa) and design emission uniformity (EUd) with the corresponding values of 91.66, 88.23%, 91.20%, 89.25% and 78.60% respectively were fitting in the standards of good to excellent performance. The value of coefficient of variance (Cv) with 0.085 falls in the category of marginal While statistical uniformity coefficient (SUC) with 91.5% presents good to perfect drip system. We conclude that drip irrigation has increased more 100% of onion production with the harvest of 12 Tons/Ha at FGEA Farm. It is therefore recommended that drip system is highly efficient irrigation system for Rwandan conditions and can easily be promoted through farmer’s sensitization and government support.