Conventional Irrigation Methods Research Articles

Regulated Deficit Irrigation and Onion (Allium cepa L.) Yield Response on Water Productivity

Irrigation is the only solution to improve crop production and productivity thereby contributing towards food security, self-sufficiency and export market. The efficient use of water by irrigation system is becoming increasingly important in arid and semi-arid regions with limited water resources. The Experiment was conducted in Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center with the Regulated Deficit Irrigation and Onion (Allium cepa L.) Yield Response on Water Productivity in Ethiopia during 2017/2018 cropping season. The objective of the experiment was identify the pin point of water stress threshold value of onion under deficit irrigation and investigate the effect of alternate, fixed and conventional furrow irrigation methods on crop yield and water productivity under deficit irrigation. The experimental treatments had three furrow irrigation methods, (alternate furrow irrigation (AFI), fixed furrow irrigation (FFI) and conventional furrow irrigation (CFI)) and two deficit irrigation levels of application, viz., 85 % ETc, and70 % ETc and a control irrigation of 100%ETc. The design of the experimental plot was split plot in RCBD arrangement and replicated three times. The three furrow irrigation methods were arranged as main plots and the deficit levels as sub plots a total of nine (9) treatment combinations. All collected data, were statistically analyzed using SAS 9.1 statistical software. The experimental study result showed that bulb diameter, unmarketable bulb yield and total bulb yield of onion were highly significance difference (p<0.001) both in furrow irrigation methods and irrigation levels. Likewise diameter of onion also gave highest on CFI and 100%ETc irrigation water application level which is 6.69cm and 6.94cm respectively. According to the results obtained, the highest total yield was recorded for the treatment of 100%ETc irrigation water application and AFI of the furrow irrigation method 38947kgha -1 and 35920kgha -1 respectively however, the lowest total bulb yield of 30253kg ha -1 and 29135kg ha -1 were recorded when FFI system was applied and in 70%ETc of water applied. Bulb height of onion was highly significance difference (p<0.001) only on deficit irrigation levels. On the other hand, marketable bulb yield, irrigation water use efficiency and crop water use efficiency were significance difference (P ≤ 0.05) by the interaction of furrow irrigation methods and deficit irrigation levels. The highest average marketable bulb yield of onion was obtained 42219kgha -1 on CFI with the combination of 100%ETc irrigation level in addition to this IWUE and CWUE both are recorded highest result on 70%ETc and AFI furrow irrigation method. Generally, among all irrigation treatments 70%ETc deficit irrigation level applied under AFI method was efficient in conserving significant irrigation water. Therefore, it could be concluded that, AFI can save a substantial amount of water and labor without highly reduction of onion yield and the lowest CWUE and IWUE was gave FFI followed by CFI. Keywords: Alternate furrow irrigation, Conventional furrow irrigation, Deficit irrigation, fixed furrow irrigation, Onion DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/71-02 Publication date: November 30 th 2020

In Vitro Evaluation of Different Irrigation Protocols on Intracanal Smear Layer Removal in Teeth with or without Pre-Endodontic Proximal Wall Restoration.

To investigate the influence of pre-endodontic coronal wall restoration on smear layer removal during different root canal irrigation strategies, single-root premolars were prepared with a mesio-occlusal cavity. Half were left untreated (G1), while the mesial walls of the remaining half were reconstructed using a resin composite (G2). The specimens were divided into control (ctrl) groups, which used the conventional needle irrigation method, and four experimental subgroups according to irrigation strategy: Sonic activation using the Endoactivator, sonic activation using the EQ-S, mechanical activation using the XP-Endo finisher, and ultrasonic activation using the EndoUltra. Smear layer removal was assessed through SEM and the results were statistically analyzed. At the coronal and middle thirds, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was detected for G1 and G2, except for the control subgroups (G1ctrl vs G2 ctrl) at the middle third. At the apical third, the smear layer removal was significantly greater for G2 than G1. In G1, both at the middle and apical level, EQ-S and EndoUltra showed greater smear layer removal (p < 0.05) compared to the others G1 subgroups. In G2, at the apical level, the EQ-S and EndoUltra were the most effective in smear layer removal. Pre-endodontic coronal wall restoration may improve the smear layer removal during root canal irrigation.

Response of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) to Deficit Irrigation in Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia

Water scarcity, erratic rainfall distribution and better management of water are a major constraint for the production of food in arid and semi-arid areas. Therefore, to cope up this problem deficit irrigation and application of irrigation systems are important concerns to achieve the goal of reducing irrigation water use and increase water productivity without significant yield loss under scarce water resources. A field experiment was carried out at Mehoni Agricultural Research Center, Raya Valley of Ethiopia, with objective of to identify the level of deficit irrigation which allow achieving optimum yield and to investigate the effect of alternate, fixed and conventional furrow irrigation method on yield and water productivity. The treatment were three deficit irrigation levels (50, 75 and 100% ETc), and three furrow irrigation methods (conventional, alternate and fixed furrow) were laid out in a random complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The highest yield was obtained from combination of convectional furrow irrigation method with 100% ETc, convectional furrow irrigation method with 75% ETc and alternative furrow irrigation method with 100% ETc respectively without statistically difference. The highest water productivity of tomato was recorded from alternative furrow irrigation method followed by fixed furrow irrigation method, while convectional furrow irrigation method was recorded the lowest water productivity. Therefore, it can be concluded that alternative furrow irrigation method with 100% ETC of irrigation level increased water productivity which solve a problem of water shortage without significance reduction in tomato yield. Keywords: Deficit irrigation, Furrow methods, Irrigation level, Tomato, Water productivity DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-6-04 Publication date: June 30 th 2020

Effect of Water Application Methods in Furrow Irrigation Along with Different Types of Mulches on Yield and Water Productivity of Maize (Zea mays l.) at Hawassa, Ethiopia

Water has been identified as one of the scarcest inputs, which can severely restrict agricultural production and productivity unless it is carefully conserved and managed . A field experiment was conducted under dry season conditions to investigate the effects of mulch types and water application methods in furrow irrigation system on water productivity and yield of maize (Zea maysL.) at Hawassa, Southern Nations Nationalities, and Peoples Regional State of Ethiopia. Three types of furrow irrigation methods (alternate, fixed and conventional) and two mulch types (plastic and straw mulch) and no mulch with three replications were used as two factors to evaluate the yield and yield component including water productivity of maize in split-plot design, in which furrow irrigation methods were used as the main plot together with the three mulching techniques were used as sub-plot. Results indicated that different types of furrow irrigation method had a very highly significant (p&lt;0.001) effect on plant height, cob length, cob weight with seed, aboveground biomass, grain yield, and water use efficiency. Types of furrow irrigation method used highly significantly (p&lt;0.01) affected thousand seed weight and harvesting index. Moreover, maize growth, yield and yield components including water productivity were highly significantly (p&lt;0.01) influenced due to different mulch types used.However, there was no interaction effect due to the two factors studied (furrow irrigation method and mulching type).Significantly a higher growth, yield and yield component of maize was recorded due to conventional furrow irrigation method than alternate and fixed furrow irrigation method. Highest yield was scored (9003.8 kg/ha) from conventional furrow irrigation water management method. However, higher water productivity (2.43kg/m 3 ) was obtained due to alternate furrow irrigation method. Moreover, higher growth, yield and yield components including water use efficiency were obtained due to plastic mulch than no mulch and straw mulch. Maximum grain yield (8088.9 kg/ha) and water productivity (2.34kg/m 3 ) obtained at plastic mulch condition , but the partial budget analysis revealed that straw mulch was economically feasible for farmers than plastic mulch for maize at Hawassa area. Therefore the present study suggests that, for maximizing grain yield under no water stress scenario, irrigation of maize with conventional furrow irrigation methods could be used. On the other hand, under limiting irrigation water condition, irrigation of maize could be done with alternate furrow irrigation method with straw mulch application to minimize evaporation loss and maximize water productivity of maize at Hawassa and similar agro-ecology and soil type. Keywords : water productivity, yield, maize, mulching and furrow irrigation method DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-5-01 Publication date: March 31 st 2020

Assessing the impact of water-saving technologies on Boro rice farming in Bangladesh: economic and environmental perspective

The study was conducted to evaluate the economic and environmental impacts of water-saving technologies (WST) on Boro rice (Oryza sativa; var. BRRIdhan 29) farming in Bangladesh. A total of 480 farmers (80 focal and 400 control) were selected as sample from Mymensingh, Comilla, Bogra and Gaibandha districts. Focal farmers were selected purposively and a limited amount of financial support was provided to them to implement WST. On the other hand, control farmers were selected randomly. They did not receive any financial support and continued practicing conventional irrigation methods. For analyzing the data, a combination of descriptive, mathematical and statistical techniques was used. The study revealed that 62.5 and 37.5% of focal farmers adopted alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and system of rice intensification (SRI) methods, respectively, where the majority of them were within the late majority group in terms of adoption. The profitability and productivity of Boro rice, as well as water productivity, were comparatively higher for focal farmers compared to control farmers. Furthermore, focal farmers’ irrigation amount for producing Boro rice was significantly lower than control farmers. The study also revealed that focal farmers’ income from rice production was 24.6% higher than control farmers. Input support, motivation, training programs and extension services are recommended to implement to raise the awareness and enrich the knowledge of the farmers on water-saving technologies.

Influence of Irrigation Regimes, Crop Spacing and Fertilization Methods on Growth and Yield of Okra in Coastal Region of Maharashtra

Water and nutrients are two important inputs for growing crops. High cost and increasing scarcity call for judicious use of these inputs to reduce losses. In this context, a field experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2014-15 to 2016-17 in tropical semi-humid climate of coastal region of Maharashtra to evaluate the response of okra (Abemoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) to three irrigation regimes (100 % ETcrop, 80 % ETcrop, and 60% ETcrop) with drip irrigation in conjunction with three crop spacing (1200- 450x 450 mm, 1200-450x 300 mm, 1200-450x 150 mm) to suit the lateral spacing of 1.2m, and three fertilization methods (ring method, briquette application and fertigation). Results were compared with the conventional method of irrigation and fertilizer application (control). Total water demand of okra was 326.7mm, with maximum one-day crop evapotranspiration of 4.0 mm.day-1. Treatment combination with 80 % ETcrop drip irrigation, 1200-450x150 mm crop spacing, and drip fertigation increased the pod yield by 102.6 % with water saving of 60.9 % over control. Water application of 280.3 mm was optimum to achieve maximum crop yield (16.97 t.ha-1) in Konkan region. Water use-efficiency increased from 11.24 kg.ha-1.mm-1 to 60.32 kg.ha-1.mm-1 with this water application. The treatment resulted in economic water productivity of 242 `.m-3, which was about five times higher over the control treatment.

Influence of Irrigation Regimes, Crop Spacing and Fertilization Methods on Growth and Yield of Okra in Coastal Region of Maharashtra

Water and nutrients are two important inputs for growing crops. High cost and increasing scarcity call for judicious use of these inputs to reduce losses. In this context, a field experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2014-15 to 2016-17 in tropical semi-humid climate of coastal region of Maharashtra to evaluate the response of okra (Abemoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) to three irrigation regimes (100 % ETcrop, 80 % ETcrop, and 60% ETcrop) with drip irrigation in conjunction with three crop spacing (1200- 450x 450 mm, 1200-450x 300 mm, 1200-450x 150 mm) to suit the lateral spacing of 1.2m, and three fertilization methods (ring method, briquette application and fertigation). Results were compared with the conventional method of irrigation and fertilizer application (control). Total water demand of okra was 326.7mm, with maximum one-day crop evapotranspiration of 4.0 mm.day-1. Treatment combination with 80 % ETcrop drip irrigation, 1200-450x150 mm crop spacing, and drip fertigation increased the pod yield by 102.6 % with water saving of 60.9 % over control. Water application of 280.3 mm was optimum to achieve maximum crop yield (16.97 t.ha-1) in Konkan region. Water use-efficiency increased from 11.24 kg.ha-1.mm-1 to 60.32 kg.ha-1.mm-1 with this water application. The treatment resulted in economic water productivity of 242 `.m-3, which was about five times higher over the control treatment.

Effects of different irrigation frequencies and incorporation of rice straw on yield and water productivity of wheat crop

The current rapid increase in irrigation water consumption is considered unsustainable and threatens the world food production. Therefore, it is mandatory to promote modern techniques and to manage existing conventional irrigation methods. The present study was attempted to determine the effects of different irrigation frequencies and rice straw incorporation rates on yield and water productivity of the wheat crop. The experiment was arranged with randomize complete block design involving nine treatments (RS0I7, RS0I15, RS0I22, RS1I7, RS1I15, RS1I22, RS2I7, RS2I15 and RS2I22) under three replications. Results exposed that the incorporation of rice straw with different irrigation frequencies significantly improved physico-chemical properties of soil. Moreover, soil bulk density, infiltration rate, pH, electrical conductivity significantly decreased and soil porosity significantly increased under all treatments. Furthermore, maximum crop yield and crop water productivity of 7706.4 kg/hm2 and 1.92 kg/m3 respectively were found under RS1I15 treatment. Based on experimental results it can be concluded that irrigation frequency and incorporation of rice straw had significant effects on the physico-chemical properties of soil, total grain yield and water productivity of the wheat crop. However, this study suggested that the wheat crop yield and water productivity could be increased by incorporating 1 t/hm2 rice straw with 15 d of irrigation frequency. Keywords: physico-chemical, irrigation frequency, rice straw, wheat, crop water productivity DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20201301.4790 Citation: Tunio M H, Gao J M, Talpur M A, Lakhiar I A, Chandio F A, Shaikh S A, et al. Effects of different irrigation frequencies and incorporation of rice straw on yield and water productivity of wheat crop. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2020; 13(1): 138–145.

In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Effectiveness of Sodium Hypochlorite with Conventional Irrigation Method versus EndoVac and Ultrasonic Irrigation in the Elimination of Enterococcus faecalis from Root Canals.

ABSTRACTAim:The aim of this study was to compare the decrease in bacterial population in the root canals with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and three irrigation systems: Conventional Needle Irrigation, Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation, and EndoVac Apical Negative Pressure Irrigation systemMaterials and Methods:Access open was carried out in 48 extracted single-rooted maxillary and mandibular human premolar teeth. The canals were instrumented 1 mm short of apical foramen up to No. 50 size file; irrigated and apical foramen was sealed with cyanoacrylate. The teeth were mounted in plaster and autoclaved for 20 min at 121°C. The plaster blocks containing the teeth were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The specimens divided randomly into four groups (n = 12) depending on the type of irrigation system used: Group 1: Conventional Irrigation Needle, Group 2: Ultrasonic system, Group 3: EndoVac Negative Pressure Irrigation system used with 2.5% NaOCl, and Group 4: Control group, normal saline irrigation. The normal saline is used as control. The samples were collected using 45 size sterile paper points and quantitative bacterial assessment was carried out by seeding each dilution on plates containing brain heart infusion broth. Then, incubated at 37°C for 7 days and colony-forming units were counted. Data obtained were statistically analyzed.Results:Statistically, EndoVac irrigation systems were more effective in reducing the number of bacteria than the other irrigation systems.Conclusion:EndoVac irrigation system was more effective in reducing bacterial numbers in infected root canals than the other two irrigation systems.

Integrated Effect of Mulching and Furrow Methods on Tomato (Lycopersiumesculentum L) Yield and Water Productivity at West Wellega, Ethiopia

Mulching applications can effectively modify the plant hydrothermal micro-environment.However, the impacts of mulching on potato yield vary with climatic conditions and field managements. Mulching with different furrow irrigation methods is one of the techniques to improve soil and water productivity. A field trial was conducted to study the effect of plastic mulch and different irrigation levels on water productivity and yield attributes of tomato (Lycopersiumesculentum L)based on the objective to select most effective water management techniques and mulching types. A split plot design consists of three furrow irrigation methods (namely conventional, alternate and fixed furrow with 100% ETc) as main plot and three mulch treatments (namely, without mulch, straw mulch and plastic mulch) as sub-plot used with three replications. The irrigation method and mulching types highly significantly (p&lt;0.01) affected the studied parameters of tomato at Haru. Maximum tomato yield was recorded from conventional furrow irrigation method which is superior than alternate and fixed furrow irrigation method. However, higher water use efficiency was obtained due to alternate furrow irrigation method. Maximum marketable yield and water use efficiency were obtained due to plastic mulch than no mulch and straw mulch for tomato at Haru. However, there was no interaction effect due to the two factors studied (irrigation type and mulching type) except water productivity. Therefore, for maximizing marketable yield and better water productivity under no water stress condition; irrigation of tomato with conventional furrow irrigation methods coupled with plastic mulch could be used. But for moisture stress scenario it is preferable to use alternate furrow with plastic mulch to achieve highest water productivity with minimum yield loss. Keywords : plastic mulch, Alternate furrow, Conventional furrow, water productivity DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-20-01 Publication date :October 31 st 2019

Effect of Different Type of Mulching and Furrow Irrigation Methods on Maize (Zea mays L.) Yield and Water Productivity at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia

Mulching with different irrigation practices is one of the techniques to improve soil productivity and water use efficiency. The increasing demand of water in the region highlights the need to introduce low-input and water saving technologies for agricultural sustainability and crop production, mainly in semi-arid region. The experiment was conducted at the research station of Mehoni Agricultural Research Centre (MehARC) in the Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia, conducted during 2017-18 and aiming to evaluate the effect of mulch types on yield and water productivity, to determine the effect of furrow methods on yield and water productivity and to analyze and evaluate different techniques that enhance water productivity of maize yield. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design and consisting of three types of furrow irrigation methods (alternate, fixed and conventional furrow irrigation methods) in the main plot and two mulch types and no mulch with three replications were used as two factors to evaluate the yield and yield component including water use efficiency of maize in split-plot design. Different types of irrigation method and mulching types were significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected all the studied parameters of yield and yield components of maize at the study site. Significantly a higher maize grain yield and yield component was recorded from conventional furrow irrigation method than alternate and fixed furrow irrigation method and higher water productivity was obtained from alternate furrow irrigation method. The study area water is a limiting factor and alternate furrow irrigation method could be practiced with plastic mulch for improving maize grain yield and water productivity. Keywords: Irrigation method, Maize, Mulching and Water Productivity. DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-20-02 Publication date :October 31 st 2019

Mechanized Sowing and Sprinkler Method of Irrigation for Summer Irrigated Blackgram

The productivity of pulse crop is low due to two reasons ; cultivation on agriculturally marginal soils and little application of any crop inputs. Among production inputs, irrigation plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity levels. Population maintenance is one of the essential criteria by which yield is affected very much. Three-year research (2015-2017) was conducted at AEC&RI, Kumulur during summer season. Among method of establishment, seeding by machine at raised bed has achieved higher plant population (39.50/ m2), higher number of branches (3.81) per plant, higher number of seeds (3.95) per plant and higher seed yield per (2.61 g) plant, whereas method of sowing by machine at flatbed also on par with the performance on number of branches per plant, number of seeds per pod, per plant seed yield in all the three years. Increase in the quantity of seed rate has achieved increase in plant population, but the seed rate @25 kg/ha has achieved higher number of branches per plant (4.13), higher number of pods (4.50) per plant, per plant seed yield (4.33). Sprinkler method of irrigation required eight numbers of irrigation with the quantity of 431.2 mm and achieved water savings of 14.5% compared to conventional method of irrigation and recorded higher water use efficiency of 2.08kg/cm3. Considering the cost of cultivation, net return and BCR, the treatment combination of sowing by machine at flatbed with the seed rate of @25 kg/ha under sprinkler method of irrigation, has achieved the higher yield (1298 kg/ha) and BCR (4.96).

Suitable inflow rate and furrow length for simplified surge flow irrigation

In the arid lands covering Uzbekistan, furrow irrigation with low application efficiency is still widely used due to a lack of funds and shortage of labor. To save water and prevent secondary salinization caused by excessive irrigation, it is important to adopt low-cost and easy water-saving irrigation methods. Onishi et al. (2017) proposed simplified surge flow (SF) irrigation that does not require expensive equipment and merely divides the water supply into two phases at 1-day intervals. This study investigated the suitable inflow rate and furrow length of simplified SF to improve water application efficiency in Uzbekistan. Five experimental plots (total area of 2,250 m2, with 25 furrows) were set up, and the inflow rates for two plots were 5 Ls−1 (F5.0) and that for the others were 1.7 Ls−1 (F1.7). The conventional irrigation method (F5.0C and F1.7C) and simplified SF (F5.0S and F1.7S) were applied to cases of furrow length of 100 m under each inflow rate. In addition, simplified SF was applied on a 50-m furrow at F1.7 (F1.7S-50). In the first irrigation using simplified SF, water was supplied from the start point of the furrow (0 m) for half of the furrow length (50 m, 25 m). In the second irrigation, water was supplied from the start point to the end of the furrow (100 m, 50 m). The application efficiency in F1.7S and F1.7S-50 was higher than that in F1.7C and F1.7C-50, and the highest was in F1.7S-50. The water supply duration was shorter in F5.0S, but the total volume of supplied water was larger than that of F1.7C. These results indicate that shortening furrow length might be an effective way to save water using simplified SF with a low inflow rate, and in contrast, that it is necessary to extend furrow length with a high inflow rate.

A Semi-Systematic Review of Capillary Irrigation: The Benefits, Limitations, and Opportunities

Capillary irrigation systems have been investigated for some years as a means to deliver water to plants in container gardening. This review paper identifies that traditional capillary irrigation systems such as capillary wicks, capillary mats, and ebb and flow systems have been shown to produce higher crop yields and use less water than conventional irrigation methods. In addition, capillary irrigation offers an added advantage by reducing the volume of potentially harmful leachate into surrounding soil environments. However, these systems are basically limited to small pot sizes and are widely used for growing ornamental and nursery plants in glasshouse conditions. Further, the cost and complexity of Negative Pressure Difference Irrigation may have limited its practical use. Conversely, wicking beds (WBs) are low-tech and water-efficient systems which can be used for growing plants with different rooting depths. Irrespective of the wide acceptance of WBs among the growing community, this review recognises that there is no published research providing design recommendations for WBs and their expected performance relative to other irrigation systems. Therefore, some potential advantages of WBs are noted in the context of capillary irrigation research; however, a substantial knowledge gap exists relating to the optimised design and use of WBs.

STUDY THE EFFECT OF PARTIAL ROOTZONE DRYING IRRIGATION ON TOMATO CROP UNDER EGYPTIAN CONDITION

Agriculture is the main user of water, because the agriculture uses about 85% of available freshwater resources worldwide. This percentage will continue to be dominant in water consumption because of population growth and increased food demand. In Egypt, agriculture uses more than 80% of the available water. In irrigated agriculture, the right way to save irrigation water is to increase water use efficiency through better irrigation management (Toureiro et al., 2016).Water management is the most significant element to increase crop productivity. There is an urgent need to create strategies based on science and technology for sustainable use of water, including technical, agronomic, managerial, and institutional improvements (Jury and Vaux, 2007). Worldwide, tomato is the second most valuable vegetable crop next to potato (FAO, 2018). In Egypt, tomato is one of the leading vegetable in economic importance. The present study was conducted in the farm of the agriculture faculty, Menoufia University, Shebin EL-Kom during two growing seasons (summer season 2015 and winter season 2016). The main goal of this study was to investigate the effect of the partial rootzone drying irrigation on soil moisture, tomato yield and water use efficiency. The study was carried out to compare partial rootzone drying and the conventional irrigation under three levels of water application rate (100%, 75% and 50% of crop evapotranspiration, ETC), and covering conditions (covering and non-covering conditions). The partial rootzone drying irrigation and the covering condition increased the soil moisture content in soil profile, the percentage of marketable yield, and improved the water use efficiency compared with the conventional irrigation (CI) methods especially, when applying under deficit water application.

Status of micro irrigation systems adopted for vegetable cultivation in Polonnaruwa district, Sri Lanka

Micro-irrigation System (MIS) is proved to be an efficient method in saving water and increasing water use efficiency as compared to the conventional surface method of irrigation. However, use of MIS in Sri Lanka especially in the dryzone is very low. The present study was aimed to find the status of MIS adopted for vegetable cultivation in view of extending the cultivable land with MIS to increase the water use efficiency in five Divisional Secretariat (DS) division of Polonnaruwa district. Primary data were collected from 150 farmers using structured questionnaires, direct observation, field visit and personal interview. Results showed that, 17.3% of farmers adopted MIS in the study area. Most of MIS adopted farmers’ family income was higher than the MIS not adopted farmers due to the reduction in labour cost and the selection of higher value crops for the cultivation. Most of MIS adopted farmers (65.4%) were cultivating vegetable in both seasons and 88.5 % of them pointed that their yield was increased by adopting MIS. Higher initial cost was the major drawback in implementing MIS system in the study area. Lack of capitals and knowledge were the major constrains for adopting MIS. Therefore, regular extension services, training program and supply of subsidies for establishment MIS are very essential in the study area to enhance the water use efficiency by adopting MIS.

Drip Irrigation System in Cotton Cultivation: One Step Enroute Intended for Sustainable Agriculture

Maharashtra is the leading cotton producing state of India with the area of 40 lakh ha under cotton cultivation and a production of 82 lakh ha But it lags much behind in term of productivity (379 kg per ha), which is far below the national average productivity of. 482 kg per ha. The present study was conducted in Jalgaon, the highest cotton producing and drip using district of Maharashtra, with the objective to estimate the costs and returns faced by farmers in adoption and non-adoption of drip system. The results revealed that at aggregate level total cost of cotton cultivation at farms using drip irrigation method (Cost C3) was estimated to be 66531 per ha whereas the same was estimated to be 66355 per ha on farms using conventional irrigation method. Per hectare net returns over Cost C3 at aggregate level of farms growing cotton with drip irrigation method were estimated to be 36509 per ha while the same, on the farms growing cotton with conventional irrigation method were estimated to be 26907 per ha.

An assessment of the economic impact of drip irrigation in vegetable production in India

Several studies have assessed the technical and economic feasibility of drip irrigation in a number of crops and have proven its potential to save water and energy, and to increase crop yields. However, only a few studies have assessed its techno-economic potential in vegetable crops. In this paper, using survey data from Indian state of Tamil Nadu, we assess its potential in brinjal, a widely cultivated and consumed vegetable in the country. The findings indicate that besides savings in water (40%) and electricity (629 kwh/acre), the drip irrigation reduces use of other inputs, e.g. fertilizers (31%), and enhances crop yield by 52%. On the whole, its application in brinjal results in 54% higher net returns over the conventional method of irrigation. Benefit-cost ratio in drip irrigation is quite attractive making it a viable option for sustainable management of irrigation water.

Integrated Effect of Mulching and Furrow Methods on Maize Yield and Water Productivity at Koka, Ethiopia

The study was conducted at Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center, Koka research station, Ethiopia, 8°26’ N latitude, 39°02’ E longitude and 1602 m.a.s.l. based on the objective to select most effective water saving techniques and improve water productivity of irrigated maize (Zea mays L.). Three types of furrow irrigation methods (alternate, fixed and conventional furrow irrigation methods) and two mulch types and no mulch with three replications were used as two factors to evaluate the yield and yield component including water use efficiency of maize in split-plot design. Different types of irrigation method highly significantly (p<0.01) affected all the studied parameters of yield and yield components of maize at Koka both season except number of grains per cob. Moreover, maize growth, yield and yield components were highly significantly (p<0.01) influenced due to different mulch types used. However, there was no interaction effect due to the two factors studied (irrigation type and mulching type). Significantly a higher growth, yield and yield component of maize was recorded due to conventional furrow irrigation method than alternate and fixed furrow irrigation method. However, higher water use efficiency was obtained due to alternate furrow irrigation method. Moreover, higher growth, yield and yield components including water use efficiency were obtained due to plastic mulch than no mulch and straw mulch for maize at koka. Therefore, for maximizing grain yield under no water stress scenario, irrigation of maize with conventional furrow irrigation methods could be used. On the other hand, under limiting irrigation water resource condition, irrigation of maize could be done with alternate furrow irrigation method with plastic mulch application to minimize evaporation loss and maximize water productivity of maize at Koka and similar agro-ecology and soil type.

Economic and Resource Impacts of Drip Method of Irrigation on Okra Cultivation

Drip method of irrigation (DMI) introduced relatively recently in India has proved to save sizeable water and augment productivity of crops. Studies conducted mostly on high-value fruit crops have confirmed the various benefits of DMI. However, not many studies have brought out the economic and resource impacts of drip irrigation including its benefit–cost pattern using survey data in crops like okra (ladies’ fingers) which is an important vegetable crop in India. In this article, we have made an attempt to fill this gap by using farm survey data collected from a water scarce district of Tamil Nadu state. We found from this study that DMI can reduce about 15 per cent of cultivation cost, save about 47 per cent of water resources and electrical energy, and augment about 49 per cent of productivity of okra over the same crop cultivated under conventional flood method of irrigation (FMI). Farmers cultivating okra under DMI are also able to generate an additional farm business income of ₹72,711/acre over the non-drip adopters. The net present worth and benefit-cost ratio estimated using different discount rates corroborate that investment in drip irrigation is economically highly viable for okra crop cultivating farmers.