Improvement Of Irrigation Systems Research Articles

Horticultural Innovations Elevating Crop Yields and Agricultural Sustainability for a Flourishing Future

Advancements in horticultural technologies and practices are critical for meeting global food security needs while ensuring environmental sustainability. This paper examines recent innovations that enhance crop yields and resource efficiency in horticulture. Key areas explored include high-tech greenhouse agriculture, precision agriculture techniques, improved irrigation systems, biofertilizers and biopesticides, breeding of resilient cultivars, and vertical farming. Intensive greenhouse production with supplemental lighting, climate control, hydroponics and automation enables year-round vegetable and fruit yields up to 20 times higher than open-field methods. Precision agriculture leverages data analytics, sensors and AI for optimized inputs and cultivation decisions per sub-field zone. Upgraded irrigation systems like drip lines and computerized scheduling curtail water usage. Organic biofertilizers and biopesticides derived from microbes, plants and minerals boost soil health and impede pests while avoiding chemical residues. Newly bred cultivars feature accelerated growth, improved taste and nutrition, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Meanwhile, vertical farms multilayer indoor cropping to magnify yields in small footprints. Further integration of these and other cutting-edge horticultural technologies can increase global food production without environmental sacrifice. This necessitates greater public and private sector investments paired with institutional support.

Agent-based simulation model to evaluate government policies for farmers’ adoption and synergy in improving irrigation systems: A case study of Lake Urmia basin

The complexities of water issues, in which human factors directly affect the qualitative and quantitative indicators of water resources in a variable, extensive, and undefined manner, make social interactions necessary for the water resources sustainable development. In this situation, local government admins (local divisions of the Water Institutions and Ministry of Agriculture) (LGA) can play a fundamental role in attracting the participation of independent farmers in sustainable agriculture and preserving water resources by modifying support policies. In this study, an agent-based simulation model of social interactions and economic interests of farmers is presented along with different scenarios of support policies as well as random supervision and training by LGA agents to evaluate its impact on the independent decision making of farmers in the form of a complex adaptive system. Questionnaires and expert interviews were used to determine the data and scenarios. Farmers’ adaptation for development technology in irrigation management (DTIM), simulated output of WP, field application efficiency (FAE), and their adaptation speed are influenced by input factors such as assumed cost of sustainable water supply (SWS), mean government expenditure (subsidy count), and the level of supervision and training by LGA. The results showed that the assumed cost of SWS and government supervision and training are the most influential indicators of the farmer agent’s propensity to DTIM with F-value=4375.59 and F-value=1055.10, respectively. The results confirm that appropriate policies in strengthening LGA supervision and training and increasing farmers’ awareness of the importance of long-term water resource sustainability can help achieve more adaptability.

Assessing the Role of Green Finance in Enhancing Rural Economic Resilience and Environmental Sustainability

Green finance plays a key role in enhancing the resilience of rural economies and environmental sustainability. Rural economies have traditionally relied on natural resources, which makes them particularly vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation. By providing the necessary financial support, green finance can help rural areas invest in sustainable agricultural practices, upgrade aging infrastructure, implement resource conservation projects, and adopt clean energy and energy-efficient technologies. Green finance can facilitate shifts in agricultural practices, such as supporting organic farming, precision farming and conservation tillage. These practices help to increase land productivity, reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and conserve biodiversity, while increasing the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change. Green finance supports the sustainable transformation of rural infrastructure, such as the efficiency improvement of irrigation systems, the recycling of agricultural waste and the green transformation of rural energy, which helps to reduce environmental pollution and improve resource efficiency. The development of green finance also requires the support of relevant policies, including the establishment of a sound green financial system, the improvement of financial institutions’ awareness and assessment capacity of green projects, policy tools to incentivize green investment and credit, and the enhancement of rural communities’ awareness and acceptance of green finance.

Design of irrigation scheme for an improved fodder crop production as food for ranch cattle

The object of this research is Cattle Ranches. Cattle Ranches is the practice of raising herds of cattle on large landscape including the structures and crops of legumes, grasses or forages, devoted to the raising, and grazing of the herds. Organized animal productions have been successfully practiced for decades in developed countries, but have been of minor Agricultural consideration in arid regions and Sub-Saharan Africa. Most African herders relied on natural pasture in the tropics which are either forested with high incidences of disease and parasites detrimental to profitable animal production, or dry zone which calls for tremendous physical exertion on the animal in order to obtain feed and water. Feed shortage and low quality of available feeds are constraints for livestock production and has been a major constraint for animal production during dry periods. Therefore, farmers use different coping mechanisms ranging from purchasing of feeds from the market and destocking unproductive animals as drastic measures. The negative trend results into many pastoralists resorting to grazing in crops farm lands. The pressure from increasing population and diminishing availability of land for pastoral range practice causes farmers- herders’ clashes which results into loss of lives. Rise in the toll of farmers-herdsmen crisis and clashes across many African countries in recent years, became worst. This brings to fore, the need to set up Cattle Ranches as an alternative to nomadic agriculture. The viability of setting up ranches for Cattles using improved irrigation systems to make up for the dry zone/season condition is practicable and profitable as practiced in developed countries. Ranches provide feed from grown forage legumes and fodder trees species through irrigation, combined with appropriate postharvest handling practices. Feeds availability mitigate the constraints of food scarcity and improves livestock productivity. The study consisted of outlining design procedure for the establishment of an irrigation scheme for an improved fodder crop production as food for ranch cattle.

Influence of Some Selected Climatic Variables on Yam Production in Bosso Local Government of Niger State

This study focused on the influence of Some Selected Climatic Variables on Yam Production in Bosso Local Government of Niger State. Secondary data was obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Minna (NIMET). The data acquired include rainfall and humidity data. Also, data for crop was obtained from the Agricultural development program Minna. The result of the study therefore shows that positive relationship exists between yam production and rainfall/relative humidity in the area under study. As for the rainfall, it was observed that in 2020, where the rainfall value was maximum, the accompanying yam production was also very high, also in 2010 when the rainfall amount was recorded least, the yam production for that year was not much. Any variation in result could be associated with the source of data and the study areas. Summarily, it can be stated that there is an established positive relationship between climatic data (rainfall and relative humidity) and the production of yam for the period under study. The study recommended that there is a need to develop and promote yam varieties that can withstand drought conditions given the impact of rainfall and humidity on yam production. Farmers should also be encouraged to adopt improved irrigation systems to mitigate the impact of low rainfall on yam production. This could include the use of drip irrigation systems or rainwater harvesting. Finally, farmers should be advised to plant yam at optimal times, taking into consideration the climatic conditions of their region.

Recent impacts of water management on dryland’s salinization and degradation neutralization

Reducing soil salinization of croplands with optimized irrigation and water management is essential to achieve land degradation neutralization (LDN). The effectiveness and sustainability of various irrigation and water management measures to reduce basin-scale salinization remain uncertain. Here we used remote sensing to estimate the soil salinity of arid croplands from 1984 to 2021. We then use Bayesian network analysis to compare the spatial–temporal response of salinity to water management, including various irrigation and drainage methods, in ten large arid river basins: Nile, Tigris-Euphrates, Indus, Tarim, Amu, Ili, Syr, Junggar, Colorado, and San Joaquin. In basins at more advanced phases of development, managers implemented drip and groundwater irrigation and thus effectively controlled salinity by lowering groundwater levels. For the remaining basins using conventional flood irrigation, economic development and policies are crucial for establishing a virtuous circle of “improving irrigation systems, reducing salinity, and increasing agricultural incomes” which is necessary to achieve LDN.

Design of Irrigation Channel Network Connectivity and Tertiary Channels in Menten Village, Rambutan District South Sumatra to Optimize Agricultural Land

South Sumatra Province is a province that is flowed by many rivers, including the Musi River, the longest river on the island of Sumatra. The condition of inadequate irrigation infrastructure means that farmers in Menten Village can only plant one crop per year. This study aimed to determine the irrigation water needs of tertiary canals and design the dimensions of connectivity and tertiary channels. Repairing the irrigation network in the village is planned to increase the productivity of agricultural land to two plantings in one year with a cropping pattern of rice and crops. This research was conducted following the following stages Calculation of Irrigation Water Needs, Calculation of Surface Runoff Discharge, Calculation of Channels Design Discharge, Calculation and determination of the dimensions of Connectivity and Tertiary Irrigation Channels. The study results obtained a Need Field Requirement (NFR) value of 1.572 l/s/ha with a maximum irrigation water requirement of 2.418 l/s.ha. To increase menten agricultural yields, a planting pattern of 2 times is planned. The planned channel is an open trapezoidal channel that functions as a carrier channel and a discharge channel namely rice and crops. There are three connectivity irrigation channels. While there are 25 tertiary irrigation canals. The results of this research can be used reference to improve irrigation systems that are still not optimal.

Analysis of the foundations of market gardening activity in the Commune of Athiémé (Benin)

Vegetable production has been a booming activity in Benin for several years, as in most countries of the West African region. The Beninese state and many other organizations are working together to develop this activity, create jobs and strengthen food security in the country. In rural areas, this agricultural sub-sector is considered one of the important measures to guarantee food security and promote income diversification. However, questions arise about the viability of this form of activity. This study aims to analyze market gardening operations in the Commune of Athiémé in Benin. To achieve this objective, different data collection techniques are used, namely documentary research, observation, interviews and questionnaire surveys with market gardeners and an interview guide administered to local authorities. A sample of 206 market gardeners is questioned. The socio-demographic data of market gardeners and agricultural statistics (areas, production and yields, etc.) are collected. The results obtained showed that market garden production is a highly developed activity in the Commune of Athiémé and is practiced at all times of the year. The most developed methods of accessing land are by inheritance (31.9%) and by purchase (31.9%). Family labor was used most often on market gardening farms (76.21%). For water supply to farms, the dominant systems were those relating to irrigation, the use of rainwater and floodwater. The basic water distribution or irrigation equipment was motor pumps, which was used by 93.57% of market gardeners. For the fertilization, the majority of market gardeners prefer the use of Urea (44.44%) and NPK (35.28%). Only 10.83% use cow purse and poultry dung. For the control of crop pests and diseases, producers use a variety of chemical pesticides. Improved production systems, including training for producers, improved irrigation systems, soil fertilization and plant protection measures will promote the sustainability of vegetable farms.

ORBITAL REMOTE SENSING FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF AREAS IRRIGATED WITH A CENTRAL PIVOT SYSTEM

Irrigated agriculture is considered one of the most important techniques for agricultural production in the world, despite being the sector that uses water resources the most. Thus, technological advances have been constantly developed and applied in the sector as a way to improve water management and reduce its consumption, considering that some cultures are affected by economic costs and feasibilities of production, because the water cost has increased significantly in recent years. Remote sensing is a technology that has provided good results for estimating evapotranspiration (ETr) in producing areas, enabling more efficient irrigation management for low costs. This study aimed to answer the question about how the generation of irrigation management zones (IMZs) can be used to optimize water use and improve irrigation systems and which ETr models are better for it. Three ETr estimation models (Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land [SEBAL], Mapping Evapotranspiration at High Resolution and with Internalized Calibration [METRIC] and Simple Algorithm for Evapotranspiration Retrieving [SAFER]) were used to design IMZs in center pivot cultivated with cotton. The design of IMZs with ETr data proved to be a viable alternative, making it possible to improve water management in irrigated systems, reducing costs with viability irrigation for cotton and others cultures. The METRIC method displayed the greatest ease in obtaining the data used in the ETr estimation for generating the IMZs.

Improved Irrigation System Based on Z-Information

Improved Irrigation System Based on Z-Information

Smart Irrigation system on Agriculture Fields Using IOT

Irrigation is the process of supplying water to land and soil, which is also helpful in growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes in agricultural field. Modern technology has been improved for inadequate rainfalls and improvement of irrigation system has also justified minimizing the waste of water in which it also reduces works in agricultural fields. This also makes people to work conveniently and also reduces work load. As we know China and India have largest irrigation area that is 21.3% and 20.6% respectively. Malaysia is one of agricultural oriented country. Irrigation is taken care of agricultural fields which involve supplying water to land to assist for production of crops. Soil moisture which is nothing but the content of the soil cannot be maintained efficiently. So that automation irrigation system would be better solution for this. The soil moisture sensor which measures the content in the soil and the system will start automatically when the moisture level is low.

Training Needs of Kiwi Growers in Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh

The kiwi fruit is a temperate fruit crop; its cultivation is limited to certain temperate regions. The study was conducted during December 2019 to February 2020 in Lower Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh to assess the training need areas of kiwi growers wherein a total of 104 farmers were drawn as respondents through random sampling. The response collected from 104 respondents showed that majority (61.54%) of the respondents had exhibited medium level of training needs. Plant protection measures, propagation and planting, and climate and soil were the top three areas perceived as priority areas in regard to training need areas of the respondents, and the least training need area was in fl owering and pollination. The study also revealed that weed problems under bio-physical constraints; high cost of inputs under socio-economic constraints; lack of improved irrigation system and lack of suitable technology for the region under technological constraints; non-availability of insurance under institutional constraints were among the many constraints perceived by the kiwi growers

Simulation and Construction of a Solar Powered Smart Irrigation System Using Internet of Things (IoT), Blynk Mobile App

Aims: To simulate and construct a solar powered smart irrigation system using Blynk Mobile App.
 Study Design: Experimental design through simulation studies and internet of things.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nigeria, between July 2021 and March 2022.
 Methodology: The system was simulated using Proteus ISIS Version 8.6. It consists of two main units that is transmitter and receiver. The transmitter consists of a sensor circuit that senses the soil moisture, humidity and temperature. Then the Node MCU microcontroller collects the data and sent to the Blynk Mobile App (Receiver). The circuit was tested at two different conditions of the soil; Wet soil and Dry soil.
 Results: Output performance analysis when the water level in soil (Moisture) was high, indicated Temperature value 28.3°C, Humidity 72%, and the Pump was OFF. When the water level in soil was mild, temperature was 60°C, Humidity 68%, and pump was turned ON. The pump is activated to switch ON as far as the water reservoir is having enough water and will switch OFF when the required level of moisture in the soil is achieved. The solar power ensured constant power supply, while the Blynk Mobile App ensured real time data monitoring by the Farmer even when he is far away from the farm.
 Conclusion: This system is an improve irrigation system that supports low water and electricity consumption as well as efficient monitoring for increase farmers’ output.

Mathematical Modeling-Based Management of a Sand Trap throughout Operational and Maintenance Periods (Case Study: Pengasih Irrigation Network, Indonesia)

Surface irrigation networks in Indonesia are damaged by several factors, and sedimentation is among the most severe challenges. Sand traps play a substantial role in improving irrigation system efficiency by reducing sedimentation. There are two periods in sand trap operation: the operational and maintenance periods. Pengasih is one of the irrigation schemes implemented in the Progo Opak Serang (POS) River Basin, which has a high level of erosion. This study aimed to propose an appropriate management strategy for the Pengasih sand trap as the first barrier in irrigation network sedimentation based on mathematical modeling. The HEC-RAS simulation software was used to simulate the sand trap hydraulic behaviour. The results show that the validated Manning’s coefficient was 0.025. The optimal transport parameters were Laursen for the potential function, Exner 5 for the sorting method, and Rubey for the fall velocity method. The recommended flushing timeframe is 315 min, with a discharge of 2 m3/s. We suggest that the sand trap flushing frequency be performed twice a year, and it can be performed at the end of March and October. This coincides with the end of the first and third planting seasons of the irrigation scheme.

Management of Rhizosphere Microbiota and Plant Production under Drought Stress: A Comprehensive Review.

Drought generates a complex scenario worldwide in which agriculture should urgently be reframed from an integrative point of view. It includes the search for new water resources and the use of tolerant crops and genotypes, improved irrigation systems, and other less explored alternatives that are very important, such as biotechnological tools that may increase the water use efficiency. Currently, a large body of evidence highlights the role of specific strains in the main microbial rhizosphere groups (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, yeasts, and bacteria) on increasing the drought tolerance of their host plants through diverse plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics. With this background, it is possible to suggest that the joint use of distinct PGP microbes could produce positive interactions or additive beneficial effects on their host plants if their co-inoculation does not generate antagonistic responses. To date, such effects have only been partially analyzed by using single omics tools, such as genomics, metabolomics, or proteomics. However, there is a gap of information in the use of multi-omics approaches to detect interactions between PGP and host plants. This approach must be the next scale-jump in the study of the interaction of soil–plant–microorganism. In this review, we analyzed the constraints posed by drought in the framework of an increasing global demand for plant production, integrating the important role played by the rhizosphere biota as a PGP agent. Using multi-omics approaches to understand in depth the processes that occur in plants in the presence of microorganisms can allow us to modulate their combined use and drive it to increase crop yields, improving production processes to attend the growing global demand for food.

An overview of smart irrigation systems using IoT

Countries are working into making agriculture more sustainable by integrating different technologies to enhance its operation. Implementing improvements in irrigation systems is crucial for the water-use efficiency and works as a contributor to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the United Nations specifically Goal 6 and Target 6.4. This paper aims to highlight the contribution of SMART irrigation using Internet of Things (IoT) and sensory systems in relation to the SDGs. The study is based on a qualitative design along with focusing on secondary data collection method. Automated irrigation systems are essential for conservation of water, this improvement could have a vital role in minimizing water usage. Agriculture and farming techniques is also linked with IoT and automation, to make the whole processes much more effective and efficient. Sensory systems helped farmers better understand their crops and reduced the environmental impacts and conserve resources. Through these advanced systems effective soil and weather monitoring takes place along with efficient water management. Irrigation systems have been determined as positive contributor toward optimized irrigation systems that could enhance the use of continuous research and development which focus on enhancing the sustainable operations and cost reduction. Lastly, the challenges and benefits for the implementation of sensory based irrigation systems are discussed. This review will assist researchers and farmers to better understand irrigation techniques and provide an adequate approach would be sufficient to carry out irrigation related activities.

Strategies to Increase Income for Semi-technical Irrigated Rice Farming in Pengandonan Subdistrict, Pengandonan District, Ogan Komering Ulu

Rice farming is one of the production activities in agriculture carried out by farmers, including those carried out by farmers in the Pengandonan district of Ogan Komering Ulu regency. Farmers run their Rice farming business to get their family's source of income to meet the needs of life and improve the level of welfare of farmers. This study aims to determine the amount of income for half-technical irrigated Rice farming and determine the strategy of increasing the income of half-technical irrigated Rice farming in the Pengandonan District. The research was carried out in Pengandonan District, Ogan Komering Ulu regency, which was carried out from March to July 2022 using survey and interview methods and filling out questionnaires. The data collected are primary and secondary. The sampling technique uses a simple random method on a sample of farmers as respondents where the number of farmers is determined by the solving method. The data analysis method uses R/C ratio analysis and SWOT analysis by considering internal factors or IFAS (Internal Factor Analysis Strategic) and external factors or EFAS (External Factor Analysis Strategic). The results showed that the half-technical irrigated rice farming business in the Pengandonan sub-district is profitable with an R/C ratio of 2.8 and the strategy of increasing the income of half-technical irrigated Rice farming in the Pengandonan sub-district is a diversification strategy, namely by utilizing the high motivation of farmers by participating in the AUTP (Rice Anticipation Insurance) program as a crop failure due to pest and disease attacks, always optimize the adoption rate of technology as well as involve more labor in the family in farming activities, increase the intensity of meetings with agricultural officials in overcoming pest and disease attacks, and optimize land conditions by improving irrigation systems.

Improving irrigation system management; A case study: Bahr Sanhoor Canal, Fayoum, Egypt

Realising the need for improving irrigation system management, the Bahr Sanhoor Canal (BSC) was selected as a case study, and the effect of covering a reach with a concrete box culvert where the irrigation canal passes through a crowded rural area on the efficiency of the canal system was examined. The field inspection of the canal system revealed multiple problems. Two alternatives for improving irrigation management were introduced. A local alternative was offered by applying a suitable numerical model to enhance the efficiency of the current status of the canal system, the water level upstream of the covered part reached 13.54 m, this solution will lower the water levels by approximately 2 m, which is below the bank levels at an affordable cost. Additionally, it will help to avoid the risk of inundating the adjacent residential area. A sustainable and environmental alternative was considered to offer a new path in which the covered reach passed outside the residential area. This alternative is permanent and sustainable. Although the proposed second path to the right of the residential area is the long-term recommendation and is sustainable, any path of flow to either the left or right of the BSC will be associated with initial high costs. The two proposed alternatives may help decision makers improve the performance of irrigation systems.

Priority for climate adaptation measures in European crop production systems

To date, assessing the adaptive measures to climate change effects on cropping systems have generally been based on data from field trials and crop models. This strategy can only explore a restricted number of options with a limited spatial extent. Therefore, we designed a questionnaire that incorporated both qualitative and quantitative aspects of climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector. The questionnaire was distributed to experts from 15 European countries to map both the observed and planned climate adaptive measures in general and for five major crops (wheat, oilseed rape, maize, potato, and grapevine) in six environmental zones (EnZs) across Europe. In northern Europe, changed timing of field operations and introduction of new crops and cultivars were the already observed as the main adaptations to a longer growing season and reduced low-temperature stress under climate change. Farmers in central and southern Europe were mainly changing water and soil management as well as adopting drought-tolerant cultivars to cope with increasing evapotranspiration and higher variability and lower predictability of rainfall. Crop protection, crop insurance, and early warning/forecast systems were considered effective ways to reduce the economic losses from increased climate-related risks and extremes. The risks and associated adaptation measures vary for different crops in different EnZs. Across Europe, changes in field operation practices, fertilisation regime, crop protection, and cultivar selection are expected to be the most prominent adaptive measures under future projected climate change. In southern and central Europe, improved irrigation systems, changing cropping systems, and revised environmental regulations and subsidy schemes are being introduced as part of adaptation planning due to the projected warmer and drier climate. In northern Europe, there are also considerations of changing landscape and environmental regulations to cope with increasing rainfall variability and changing cropping practices due to longer growing seasons. The thorough understanding of the observed and foreseen adaptations in the different zones will be helpful for supporting decision making at both farm and policy levels across Europe.

Climate Change and Farmers' Adaptation Strategies: The Case of Rice Producers in Nghe An Province, Vietnam

This research aimed at assessing climate trends and adaptation strategies to the impacts of climate change on rice producers in Nghe An province. For the first objective, multiple graphs, the Mann–Kendall test, and Sen’s Slope test were employed to analyze the secondary data of rainfall, temperature, and rice yield in Nghe An from 1995 to 2019. The results showed that the rice productivity of Nghe An increased over the 25-year period, annual rainfall decreased in the winter-spring season, and annual temperature increased in the summer-autumn season. For the second objective, primary data were collected by conducting household surveys of 396 households in Nghe An province. Sixty-two percent of farmers did not adopt any adaptive strategies, while other strategies included changing the planting schedule, growing stress-tolerant crops, improving irrigation practices, and utilizing fertilizer and other good practices. Multivariate probit regression (MVP) was employed to analyze the factors affecting the adaptation strategies of households in the study area. The results of MVP showed that age, education, gender, household size, farm size, cooperative, farmer organization, extension services, access to credit, access to irrigation, rainfall, and living in Quynh Luu or Dien Chau significantly affected the farmers’ choice. The results implied that farmers can obtain advanced technology, social learning, and community practices by participating in farmer organizations and cooperatives. In specified area, local authorities should invest in improving irrigation systems, practicing land consolidation, practicing special farming techniques, and providing timely weather forecasts for enhancing farmers’ resilience.