Irrigation Farming Research Articles

Assessing the efficacy of water management and wheat straw addition in mitigating methane emissions from rice paddy fields

AbstractTo improve the quality of soil, agriculture typically uses organic additions like wheat straw (WS). Water management (WM) methods such as alternative wetness and dryness irrigation (AWDI) in paddy rice farming can increase water use efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this study, a randomized complete block design (RCBD) pot greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the effects of WM (CFI (continued flooding irrigation) and AWDI), WS (15.0 and 30.0 ton ha−1), and their interaction (WS*WM) on CH4 emissions and rice yield in a paddy calcareous soil cultivated with rice. The largest CH4 emission occurred 30 and 70 days following rice planting. Single applications of WS at 15.0 and 30.0 ton ha−1 significantly increased CH4 emissions by 19.60% and 68.70% (P < 0.01), respectively, compared to the Control. Compared to CFI, the AWDI reduced CH4 emissions by 31.20% (P < 0.01). The correlations between AWDI and CH4 emissions in days after rice planting were significantly negative at the 0.01 level based on Pearson correlation. Adding WS in the AWDI significantly decreased CH4 emissions by 27.70 and 25.64% in 15.0 and 30.0 ton ha−1 added WS (P < 0.05), respectively, compared to sole WS. Both rates of WS resulted in a considerable increase in biomass and rice grain compared to the Control, while the AWDI had no significant effect on biomass and grain yield. Our data showed significant interaction between AWDI and WS on biomass. Our study shows that the AWDI saved 18.50% water compared to the CFI.

Quality assessment and evaluation of irrigation water and soil used for maize (Zea mays L.) production in Boloso Sore district, southern Ethiopia

Poor quality of irrigation water and soil are among the major factors determining maize productivity in Ethiopia. This study assessed and evaluated the quality of irrigation water and soil under maize production in Soke and Woybo irrigation schemes in Boloso Sore district, Ethiopia. Four water samples per site per season were collected from the first point of the irrigation schemes and farm gate for dry and rainy seasons in 2019/2020. Soil samples of 108 were collected from 36 points, from which 18 composited samples were taken for laboratory analysis. Results show that irrigation water of the two schemes is non-saline (electrical conductivity <0.2 dS m−1) and in the normal pH range (6.5–7.5). Maximum concentration of cations in irrigation water was in the order of sodium (22.3 mg l−1) > potassium (7.3 mg l−1) > calcium (6.2 mg l−1) > magnesium (3.1 mg l−1). Moderate to severe sodicity (sodium adsorption ratio of 10.9) was also recorded. Sulfate, nitrate, and phosphate contents in water were trace, and increased during rainy seasons in downstream. Textural classes of soils are clay loam to clay, and less compact to restrict root penetration (bulk density ≤1.4 g cm−3), have slow infiltration rate (≤0.13 cm h−1), and medium level of total available water (≤178 mm m−1). Soils are strongly acidic to neutral (pH: 5–6.5), salt-free, and have low soil organic carbon (≤2.1%), low total nitrogen (≤0.1%), low available phosphorus and sulfur, and low Ca2+: Mg2+ ratio. It can be concluded that the irrigation water in the study area has cation imbalance (poor quality) which affects soil quality and maize productivity. Likewise, soils of the study area have poor quality. Lime application, efficient fertilizer use, and organic matter applications can be suggested. Further study on optimizing fertilizer rates and irrigation levels has to be conducted to improve maize productivity.

English

For decades, debates among African leaders have centred on possible solutions to the continent&#39;s food security dilemma. If not addressed, the continued increase in population density and the accompanying pressures from conflicting demands for land in many Sub-Saharan African nations, including Nigeria, have the potential to exacerbate the arable land situation in the near future. To achieve increased production, African farmers must increase their use of productivity-enhancing tools such as irrigation, improved seeds, fertilizer, and modern farm management practices. The use of Urea Deep Placement (UDP) technology to boost nitrogen availability, a key ingredient in rice production, was introduced to rice farmers in selected Northern Nigerian states. Empirical information on the economics of the use of this technology in rice production is scanty, hence this study. Based on data collected from three hundred UDP users and non-users, this study examined the cost structure, the profitability and productivity of rice farm in the presence of technological heterogeneity. The study employed descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and the Latent class generation modes. The data was divided into two groups based on their production functions. The study concluded that farmers that used urea deep production technology outperformed non-users. However, in the short run, this technology is labour intensive. To solve the excessive labour use in the short run and to make rice production appealing to the young people who make up the majority of Nigeria&#39;s labour force, labour-saving technology must be combined with UDP technology. Key words: Productivity, profitability, technological heterogeneity, urea deep placement, rice.

Access to Dry Season Agricultural Content in the Broadcast Media and Dry Season Irrigation Farming among Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria

Inaccessibility to information could hinder the adoption of dry season agriculture which is very significant to ending the spate of food insecurity in Nigeria. This cross-sectional survey examined access to broadcast media agricultural content and the effect of such information on dry season agriculture practice among smallholder farmers in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Participants consisted of 381 smallholder farmers selected from rural settlements in Kuje and Kwali Area councils, through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data for the study was generated via a self-designed questionnaire. The findings of this study show that access to the broadcast media agricultural content is high (94.2%) in the FCT and the majority (83.1%) of the farmers are particularly exposed to agricultural programmes on dry season farming. However, the regularity of exposure to such programmes is considered rare/occasional by a sizable proportion (44.8%) of the selected farmers. The research further confirms the general acceptability of the broadcast programmes on dry season agriculture but the major snag is that the majority (&gt;50%) of the farmers think that the time at which the information is broadcast is inappropriate. In terms of the practical implications of the programmes, findings also revealed that &lt;50% of the respondents believe that exposure to broadcast media content on dry season farming has helped them to improve their knowledge of dry season farming practices. Nonetheless, most respondents (&gt;50%) remain adamant that dry-season farming is not achievable and productive; therefore, they have not engaged in dry season irrigation agriculture. We concluded that the knowledge gained from the dry season agricultural programmes in the broadcast media is not sufficient for farmers to successfully engage in dry season irrigation farming. The study recommends a long-term and sustained media campaign on dry season farming, the use of interactive programme content, and rescheduling agricultural programmes to farmers’ preferred time could yield the desired impact on dry season irrigation farming and food security in Nigeria.

Effects of New Agri Techniques on World Hunger

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of new agriculture techniques on world hunger.&#x0D; Methodology: This study adopted a desktop methodology. This study used secondary data from which include review of existing literature from already published studies and reports that was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.&#x0D; Findings: The study revealed that new agri techniques has increased yield of crops. With advanced technology and modern crop varieties, farmers can produce more food with less land, water, and other resources. This can help to meet the growing demand for food as the global population continues to increase. Some of the new agri technique include adoption of GMOs, precision irrigation, precision agriculture and vertical farming.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was anchored theory of sustainable agriculture and theory of agricultural innovation systems (AIS). The study recommended that policies and institutional frameworks should be developed to support the adoption of modern technologies in agriculture including the provision of technical assistance, access to credit and market support. The study recommended there is need for financial incentives to encourage farmers to adopt new agricultural techniques.

Urinary schistosomiasis: risk factors and symptoms among school adolescents in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Improper waste disposal, unsafe water and indiscriminate water-contact activities are major factors enhancing continuous spread of schistosomiasis in Nigeria. Many water bodies are prone to contamination with human wastes directly discharged into them or due to surface runoff, and are infested with parasites. Open defecation and discharge of household sewage into water channels is still practiced. Children conduct activities in these water bodies, thereby exposing themselves to infections with schistomes among other pathogens. Urine samples (10 mL each) were collected from 600 consented school adolescents across six Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Information on their water-contact activities were obtained by means of questionnaires. Urine sediment was examined for Schistosoma haematobium eggs by microscopy. No infection was recorded in adolescents who had awareness about the disease. Those who engaged in swimming (9.2 %, OR=2.2) and fishing (10.3 %, OR=2.1) were significantly more infected than those who did not (P≤0.05). Adolescents who worked on irrigated farms (9.0 %, OR=1.4), washed clothes in rivers (9.0 %, OR=1.6), or fetch water from rivers for domestic purpose (10.0 %) were more infected than others who did not engage in those activities. Therefore, swimming and fishing are important factors enhancing the spread of schistosomiasis among school adolescents in Kaduna State. Irrigation farming, washing of clothes in rivers or fetching water from rivers exposed the adolescents to schistosome infections. Widespread awareness campaigns, provision safe water to communities, and standard water-based recreational centers are paramount

Fuzzy Control of Farm Irrigation System

Fuzzy Control of Farm Irrigation System

Fuzzy Control of Farm Irrigation System

Fuzzy Control of Farm Irrigation System

Fuzzy Control of Farm Irrigation System

Fuzzy Control of Farm Irrigation System

Fuzzy Control of Farm Irrigation System

Fuzzy Control of Farm Irrigation System

Peers and the choice of irrigation practices in the Arkansas Delta

AbstractThere are a range of demographic, climatic, and economic factors that influence the use of irrigation practices, along with the effect of peers and Extension agents on agricultural technologies. This research was conducted to determine how a peer's use of multiple irrigation practices influences the use of common irrigation practices in the Delta region of Arkansas. Using data from a producer survey conducted by telephone in 2015, we identify the determinants of the use and the share of an irrigated farm with five common irrigation practices in the Arkansas Delta. The role of peers for irrigation practice use depends on where a farmer is and the current farm practices in the region. A finding of the own practice peer effect is that a producer with a peer that uses flow meters is 29% more likely to use flow meters themselves. A cross practice peer effect we observe is that a producer with a peer that uses scientific scheduling is 30% less likely to use center pivot.

Exploring Irrigation and Water Supply Technologies for Smallholder Farmers in the Mediterranean Region

Water security is a hot topic all over the world, due to global warming, climate change, natural calamities such as droughts and floods, overuse of water, and other factors. Water issues have been scientifically investigated from several perspectives, namely institutional, economic, social, environmental, managerial, and technological. However, the technological aspects of irrigation and water supply for smallholder farmers in the Mediterranean region have not been adequately addressed. This paper explores irrigation and water supply technologies for smallholder farmers in the selected Mediterranean countries (Egypt, Malta, Morocco, and Portugal). The methods of analysis are literature review, fieldwork, and observation. The literature survey reveals that Mediterranean countries share many common features in terms of climate, water and land resources, and development issues. Nevertheless, the selected countries in the Mediterranean region (Egypt, Malta, Morocco, and Portugal) differ in terms of type of crops, water management regulations, labor force availability, financial sustainability, and economic approaches. These remarks signal the need for applying a specific approach in selecting a technology for irrigation and water supply according to the regional context. Additionally, the financial and economic perspectives of the three key technologies (i.e., SLECI, desalination technology, and engineering constructed wetlands) require further analysis.

The Determinants of Farmers Adaptive Capacities to Poverty Related Diseases along River Niger in Edo and Kogi States, Nigeria

Many of the diseases contributing to the disease burden in low-income countries are tightly linked to the debilitating conditions of poverty. At the global level, there are three primary poverty-related diseases (PRDs) acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), malaria and tuberculosis (TB). This study determining the determinants of farmers adaptive capacities to poverty related diseases along river Niger in Edo and Kogi States. Primary data were collected from respondents, multistage sampling technique were used to select respondents in Edo and Kogi States. Descriptive statistics, using the threshold concept for discrete variables results shows that land preparation pattern was the most used adaptive capacity to climate change in the study areas. The findings also show that gender, types of accommodation, sanitation, visit to hospital, amount spent on treatment, education and irrigation were the major determinants of climate change adaptation capacities to poverty related diseases. It was concluded that the major factors influencing adaptive capacities to poverty Related diseases were education, household size, off farming income, access to credit, distance to health Centre, cost of treatment, visit to hospitals and irrigation farming. The study recommends that to reduce effect of poverty related diseases, there is need for policy makers to engage communities when taking decisions relating to their health.

IOT Based Farm Irrigation and Fertilizer E-Recommendation System

India is predominantly an agricultural country. Agriculture is the most important occupation for most Indian families. It plays an important role in the development of a large agricultural country. Water is an important resource for agriculture. Irrigation is one way of providing water, but it is sometimes a huge waste of water resources. Therefore, we have implemented a project called “IOT Based Farm Irrigation and Fertilizer E-Recommendation System” in order to save water and time in this regard. In this application, we use various sensors such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture sensors that know many parameters of the soil, and we water the soil automatically by turning the engine on/off according to the soil moisture value. In addition, choosing the right fertilizer for the soil and crops is an important and essential part of agriculture, so this project helps farmers choose the right fertilizer for the soil and yield from the recommended fertilization system based on soil moisture and humidity.

THE POTENTIAL FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE FOR SMALL FARMS: SUPERVISED MACHINE-LEARNING SMART IRRIGATION CONCEPT FOR VEGETABLES

Sustainability is a crucial concept in agriculture and agricultural production. Since there is an intense competitiveness and risk in the sector, technical advancements are essential for improved development and sustainability. Small farms require cost effective solutions to match the standards of bigger producers, which essentially means best yields on crops, both in terms of quantity and quality. It is crucial to consider water crisis, climate change, and quality farm care when designing new solutions for agriculture. This study proposes the automation of farm irrigation systems based on a supervised machine learning model (SVM, Logistic Regression) that is cost-effective and precise response to farming demands. In order to show the practicality of this proposed new technology, an application was developed to represent the model results. The application created was for the user to be able to use the model to predict and control the valves in an irrigation system. This work is a potential solution for small farms in a country like South Africa, where sustainable farming is taking rise.

A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF NITROGEN, PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM IN SOIL AND WATER OF THE WUKARI MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTES NATURAL DRAINAGE

Preliminary investigation of Municipal Solid Waste Natural (MSW) drainage for dry season irrigation farming of Amaranths at Angwan Mission Quarters – a densely populated locality known for cultivation of Amaranths due to availability of water and its accessibility to markets was conducted. Amaranths, soil and water samples from three drainage or sampling points was collected (December 2019 - March 2020) to ascertain suitability of drainage soils and water for irrigation of Amaranths. Visual observation and analysis of selected morphological traits (plant colour, plant height (cm), plant girth, leaf area (cm2) and number of leaves) for market value was conducted. Physic-chemical analyses of pH, total organic carbon (C), total organic matter (OM), exchangeable bases (K, Na, Ca, Mg), cation exchange capacity (ECEC), moisture content, total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P),potassium(K) concentrations of the MSW drainage soils and water were determined according to Standard laboratory procedures. Results reveal chlorosis of Amaranths at sampling point 1(Up-Stream) and sampling point 2(Mid-Stream) indicating specific mineral deficiency (such as Iron, magnesium, nitrogen) usually associated with MSW dumpsites. Significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in whole plant height, leaf area, number of leaves and % nitrogen (Up-Stream - 0.11 ± 0.00a; Mid-Stream - 0.14 ± 0.01a : Low-Stream - 0.16 ± 0.15) reflects abundance water and inadequate nitrogen levels respectively. This study remarked that the drainage points are suitable for dry season vegetable farming and the transition from rural to peri-urban settlement has potentials for continuous utilization of drainage soil and water for large-scale vegetable farming and income generation by the

Solar Based Automatic Irrigation System

India is an agriculture-based country. Most of us are completely dependent on Agricultural crops. Agriculture is the source of employment for most Indians and has a significant impact on the country's economy. proper irrigation system usage is very important because there is a shortage of land-reserved water due to a lack of rain and spontaneous use of water, and as a result, large amounts of water go to waste. For this reason, we use this automatic plant watering and soil moisture monitoring system, which is extremely helpful in all climatic conditions. Automation of farm irrigation and soil moisture control using a microcontroller, a soil moisture sensor, and a pump motor through a relay module This automatic irrigation system senses the moisture level present in the soil and automatically switches the pump when the power is on. When the soil goes dry, the pump will start watering. The aim of the execution is to decrease water use, and automatic irrigation can be used to save time with a low-power monitoring device. Keywords—soil moisture sensor, Relay, automatic irrigation, Microcontroller

AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION – INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Bulgaria's good soil and weather conditions increase the potential of agriculture and provide good opportunities for quality and sustainable food production. These can be expanded and further improved through the use of innovation in all agricultural activities. Farm irrigation is essential for the food supply and economic development of many countries. Innovative solutions are needed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices. Innovations in agricultural irrigation are essential for sustainable farm development and reducing water stress in the world. They help farmers to improve their harvests and preserve water resources for future generations. Integrating different water sources such as groundwater, surface water, rainwater and wastewater can provide a more sustainable and reliable source of water for farms. Innovations in agricultural irrigation require training and education for farmers to understand how to use new technologies and methods. Governments and financial institutions can provide support and incentives to invest in innovative irrigation solutions. In recent years, aquaponics has become an innovative study of the aquaculture industry. Aquaponics is an innovation in modern farming, a sustainable micro ecosystem with a controlled environment, combining aquaculture with hydroponics. It is developing at a rapid pace as the need for sustainable food production grows and freshwater and phosphorus supplies decline. Another innovative method to tackle the problem of farm irrigation is aeroponics. It is defined as an aerial water culture system or the science of growing plants without soil or substrate culture. The plant grows in the air with the help of artificial support and no soil or substrate is required to sustain the plant. The roots of the plant are suspended in a closed container in the dark and exposed to the open air to receive nutrient-rich water dispersed through atomizers. The modernisation, rehabilitation and renewal of irrigation systems provides an opportunity to reduce the use of pesticides and fertilisers in line with the Green Deal. It also provides an opportunity for Bulgarian farmers to be competitive with their counterparts in other countries. The effect could be strongest for permanent crops, fruit and vegetable production and livestock farming. The goal of the report is to focus on solutions to the problem of farm irrigation in the country by implementing innovative solutions. Key words: technology, agriculture, environment, innovation, irrigating JEL: O3, Q1, Q5, Q16.

Small-scale irrigation (SSI) farming as a climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practice and its influence on livelihood improvement in Offa District, Southern Ethiopia

Small-scale irrigated farming has been offered as a climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technology to boost production and diversify livelihood scenarios as an option to mitigate climate change. This study was to analyse factors that influence smallholder farmers' decisions to adopt small-scale irrigation (SSI) as CSA and to assess the influence of adoption on livelihood improvement. To obtain relevant data, the study employed a mixed research methodology that combines an explanatory research design with a qualitative approach. A total of 134 respondents were selected for the study's sample size. A mixed research methodology was used in this study to acquire pertinent data, which incorporated an explanatory research design and a qualitative approach. In the study area, 37.3% participated in small-scale irrigation, while 62.7% did not. The descriptive statistics result showed that, household socio-demographic factors; household socio-economic factors, and household institutional factors had significantly and statistically affect the adoption SSI. The Logit regression model results revealed that households; who owned more land holding size, access to credit services, get agricultural extension service, who near to the district market, who have middle age of HH, who Sex of HHH, who nearest farm sight, have TLU, have farming experience, have access to irrigation, and have good health status of the HHH were more likely to benefit from the use of small scale irrigation. The average annual gross income earned by participant and non-participant households from various crops in the three schemes was 370,190 and 83,983 ETB, respectively. As a result, participation in small-scale irrigation has a positive effect on the majority of household livelihood diversification, and expanding irrigation schemes improves rural farm households' livelihoods. As a result, policymakers and other stakeholders should prioritize small-scale irrigation technologies as CSA to improve rural household livelihoods.

Combining Remotely Sensed Evapotranspiration and an Agroecosystem Model to Estimate Center‐Pivot Irrigation Water Use at High Spatio‐Temporal Resolution

AbstractEstimating irrigation water use accurately is critical for sustainable irrigation and studying terrestrial water cycle in irrigated croplands. However, irrigation is not monitored in most places, and current estimations of irrigation water use has coarse spatial and/or temporal resolutions. This study aims to estimate irrigation water use at the daily and field scale through the proposed model‐data fusion framework, which is achieved by particle filtering with two configurations (concurrent, CON, and sequential, SEQ) by assimilating satellite‐based evapotranspiration (ET) observations into an advanced agroecosystem model, ecosys. Two types of experiments using synthetic and real ET observations were conducted to study the efficacy of the proposed framework for estimating irrigation water use at the irrigated fields in eastern and western Nebraska, United States. The experiments using synthetic ET observations indicated that, for two major sources of uncertainties of ET difference between observations and model simulations, which are bias and noise, noise had larger impacts on degrading the estimation performance of irrigation water use than bias. For the experiments using real ET observations, monthly and annual estimations of irrigation water use matched well with farmer irrigation records, with Pearson correlation coefficient (r) around 0.80 and 0.50, respectively. Although detecting daily irrigation records was very challenging, our method still gave a good performance with RMSE, BIAS, and r around 2.90, 0.03, and 0.4 mm/d, respectively. Our proposed model‐data fusion framework for estimating irrigation water use at high spatio‐temporal resolution could contribute to regional water management, sustainable irrigation, and better tracking terrestrial water cycle.