Irrigation Techniques Research Articles

Impact of different priming and sowing techniques in combination with different seed rates on wheat growth and yield

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple crop of immense economic importance, especially in the agronomic context of Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Understanding the effects of various agronomic practices, such as priming techniques, sowing methods, and seed rates, on wheat yield and growth is crucial for optimizing production and ensuring regional food security. To study the effects of priming and sowing techniques in combination with seed rates on short (Israr Shaheed) and long (Gomal) duration, three experiments were conducted at the agronomic research site of Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, wheat varieties. In the first experiment, various priming techniques were used. Among different techniques used Farmyard manure priming produced the tallest plants at 111.3 and 125.3 cm, the maximum number of tillers (335.7 and 345.0 m-2), longest spikes (8.6 and 7.6 cm), maximum spikelets (27.2 and 31.0 spike-1), maximum number of grains (45.5 and 48.7 spike-1), maximum grain yield (4.4 and 4.6 t ha-1) and maximum harvest index (38.7 and 41.5%) respectively for Israr Shaheed and Gomal. Conversely, compost manure produced heavier grains than other interactions (49.2 and 42.3 g) while sodium chloride showed the maximum biological yield (12.4 and 11.8 t ha-1) for Israr Shaheed and Gomal correspondingly. In 2nd experiment, different sowing methods were tested on two wheat varieties Israr Shaheed and Gomal. Dry sowing followed by flooding produced tallest plants measuring (105.5 and 101.7 cm), maximum number of tillers (398.2 and 406.7 m-2), longest spikes (8.3 and 7.2 cm), maximum spikelets (29.8 and 35.5 spike-1), maximum number of grains (54.3 and 51.6 spike-1) and maximum grain yield (4.3 and 4.6 t ha-1) respectively for Israr Shaheed and Gomal. Israr Shaheed and Gomal showed maximum 1000-grain weights (45.3 and 45.0 g) in sprouted seeding in flooded fields respectively. The highest biological yield (13.6 t ha-1) was in dry seed in the flooded field while the maximum harvest index (33.5 and 33.9%) was recorded in soaked seed followed by flooding for Israr Shaheed and Gomal. In the last experiment, different seed rates were studied. The results showed that plants grown with seed rate 150 kg ha-1 showed the tallest plants at 111.0 and 111.7 cm, maximum number of tillers (411.6 and 408.2 m-2), longest spikes (7.8 and 7.7 cm), maximum spikelets (34.3 and 34.3 spike-1), maximum number of grains (50.8 and 47.2 spike-1), maximum grain yield (4.6 and 4.5 t ha-1) and maximum harvest index (38.4 and 36.7%) respectively for Israr Shaheed and Gomal. The maximum number of 1000-grains weight (g) was found on 200 and 250 kg ha-1 for Israr Shaheed and Goma-8, respectively giving 45.2 g while biological yield was the highest in 175 kg ha-1 respectively. Conclusively, the results indicated that yield and yield attributes in wheat were enhanced up to 150 kg ha-1 seed rate when interacted with farmyard manure priming along with dry sowing of seed followed by flooding. Future research should explore the integration of advanced irrigation techniques and nutrient management practices to further enhance wheat productivity in the Dera Ismail Khan region.

Estimation of Monthly Irrigation Water Requirement of Crops Using CROPWAT

Water is increasingly becoming a limited resource due to rising demands for various uses, including hydropower generation, irrigation, and domestic supply. As the population grows, the need for water across different sectors constantly increases. However, the availability of water resources is restricted both spatially and temporally. Therefore, there is an urgent need for systematic and scientific planning to ensure its optimal use. Agriculture sector being the major consumer of water resources, the adoption of modern irrigation techniques can significantly reduce water consumption and promote water conservation. This advancement will expand the irrigated areas and ultimately lead to increased agricultural productivity. Irrigation water requirements of major crops, namely, Paddy, maize, sugarcane etc. are determined using the CROPWAT model. The present study aimed to find out the irrigation water requirement for the major crops grown in Krishna Central Delta, Andhra Pradesh. Results revealed that irrigation water requirement for kharif season ranges from 89-475 mm and in rabi season varies from 320-821 mm. For sugarcane irrigation water requirement was found to be 927 mm.

Gerakan Perubahan (Renaissence) Oleh Dinasti Umayyah II (Islam di Andalusia) Terhadap Berkembangnya Intelektual dan Kebudayaan di Eropa

The second period of the Umayyad dynasty, known as the Andalusian Umayyads, had a significant influence on the development of European civilization in the Middle Ages. After the fall of Damascus, this dynasty continued its rule in the Iberian Peninsula with its center in Cordoba. This article aims to analyze the influence of the Umayyad Dynasty II on Europe, especially in the fields of science, art, architecture and cross-cultural relations. The research method used in this article is a literature review, where literature study is a method that involves collecting, evaluating and synthesizing existing literature to answer research questions or understand a particular topic comprehensively. According to Danial and Warsiah, Literary Studies is research carried out by researchers by collecting a number of books and magazines related to research problems and objectives. The findings show that the Umayyad Dynasty in Andalusia not only contributed to the spread of Islamic knowledge, such as astronomy, medicine, and mathematics, but also became a catalyst for the development of science in Europe through intellectual transfer and translation of scientific texts. Apart from that, the architectural style promoted by the Umayyad II Dynasty played a role in the formation of European architectural styles, especially the Gothic and Romanesque styles. Through cultural interactions, the Umayyad II Dynasty introduced irrigation techniques, agriculture, and government systems that inspired European nations. The results of this study underline the importance of the influence of Islamic civilization in Andalusia in the development of European science and culture, which later became the foundation for the Renaissance.

Performance Indicators for Improving Irrigation Management in Aegean District

Water is vital for agriculture and its effective use has become imperative. The largest share of freshwater use in the world is in the agricultural sector with a rate of approximately 70%. Therefore, the evaluation of irrigation schemes is of great importance. In Turkiye, irrigation schemes are managed and distributed by organizations such as water user associations, municipalities, and irrigation cooperatives. In Türkiye, irrigation schemes with an service area of 500 ha or more are managed by water user associations. In this study, Ahmetli, Salihli and Menemen water user associations’ irrigation schemes, where the Gediz River is used as a water source, were chosen as materials. The selected irrigation schemes service area constitutes 60% of the total service area in the region (DSI (General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works) 2nd Region(Aegean region)). The service area of Ahmetli irrigation scheme is 50,532 ha, 22,797 ha in Salihli and 22,865 ha in Menemen. The main crop pattern of the irrigation area is vineyards, corn and cotton. These irrigation schemes were evaluated using performance indicators such as water supply, irrigation rate, and amount of irrigation water used per unit area. The raw data sets obtained from DSI cover the years 2007 and 2021. As a result, when looking at the average performance, relative water supply, irrigation rate and amount of irrigation water used per unit area were found to be 0.70, 57.99 and 7682.45 m3 ha-1, respectively. Although 70% of the irrigation water need can be met with the water diversion to the system, the irrigation ratio was approximately 58% indicating the problems in transferring water to the system and the irrigation techniques used by farmers on the field are not modern. In addition, the main reasons for the unirrigated areas, are social and economic reasons (137 ha in the Menemen WUA) and the lack of water supply in the Salihli and Ahmetli WUAs, respectively, 2319 ha and 11320 ha cannot be irrigated, respectively. Modernization seems inevitable for more effective use of our water resources. The most effective techniques in this modernization are land consolidation, renewal of irrigation channels, extension and consultancy services to farmers, and making water fees according to volume can be counted.

Chili cultivars vulnerability: a multi-factorial examination of disease and pest-induced yield decline across different growing microclimates and watering regimens

BackgroundAs identified by the research, it is imperative to develop effective ways to address the pressing problem of disease and pest susceptibility in chili agriculture and secure sustainable crop yield. The research examines the impact of various growing microclimates, watering regimens, and chili cultivars on disease incidence, pest attacks, and yield loss.ResultsThe study, which took place over a season, used a randomized complete block design to evaluate how well Tanjung, Unpad, and Osaka cultivars performed in four different watering regimens (100, 75, 50, and 25% ETc) and different microclimates (greenhouse, rain shelter, screen house, and open field). The findings exhibited that watering regimens and microclimates greatly influenced disease and pest occurrence, but cultivars had a minimal effect on these variables. Disease and pest attack rates were highest in the open field and lowest in the screen house. A correlation was found between lower disease and pest incidence and optimal irrigation levels (75% and 100% ETc). At lower watering regimens of 25% ETc and in the open field, yield loss was the greatest.ConclusionThe results emphasize how crucial controlled environments and appropriate irrigation techniques are to reducing crop loss and increasing production. Enhancing watering regimens and implementing screen house cultivation are two strategies for improving the productivity and sustainability of chili output.

Влияние приемов орошения на структуру почвы и продуктивность посевов яровой пшеницы в сухостепном Поволжье

Irrigation plays a key role in preserving land fertility and ensuring the growth of crop yields in the arid conditions of the dry-steppe zone of the Volga region. This factor primarily limits the volume and stability of crop production. The article presents the results of studies on the study of various irrigation techniques - watering along the strips and irrigation by sprinkling. An analysis was carried out on the effect of the applied irrigation methods on the soil structure and productivity of spring wheat crops. It was found that irrigation methods had different effects on the factors of changing the water-physical properties of the soil and the spring wheat crop. The most effective in terms of productivity of spring wheat grain - a yield of 1.74 t/ha was detected during irrigation with sprinkling using wide-grip sprinklers. Irrigation in strips is less expensive, but the productivity of spring wheat is less with this type of irrigation - 1.16 t/ha. When watering along the strips immediately after the first watering, the overall duty cycle decreases. When watering by sprinkling, water-resistant units pass into the category of sprayed only by the end of the vegetation of spring wheat. Thus, strip watering had the most negative impact on the structure of dark chestnut soil under spring wheat crops. With this version of irrigation, erosion processes begin to develop to a greater extent.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN SPRINKLER IRRIGATION: AN OVERVIEW

The overuse of water in conventional irrigation at the farm level is a global issue that can be addressed by improving irrigation techniques. Sprinkler irrigation can reduce water losses by carefully planning the crop, soil, landscape, and weather conditions, as well as installing the proper sprinkler hardware. The application efficiency of sprinkler systems may be enhanced when these systems are coupled with automation for precise irrigation. Sprinkler irrigation has advanced significantly, but new ideas and current practices are driving further progress. These novel ideas include low-pressure sprinklers, smart controllers, fertigation, water-pesticide integrated sprinkler systems, and variable-rate irrigation. The objective of this work is to highlight the introduction of innovative technologies to optimize sprinkler irrigation systems. Suggestions for the future development of sprinkler irrigation technology are offered to ensure its long-term viability.

Water volumes and mulches affect plant growth, leaf nutrient status and orchard soil mineral content of sweet orange cv. Mosambi

Day-by-day increasing irrigation water scarcity requires the application of water-saving irrigation techniques to sustain agriculture production. A two-year field investigation was conducted during 2018 to 2020 to determine the effects of various mulches and irrigation volumes on the growth, leaf chemicals and soil properties of one-year-old sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis) cv. Mosambi. The study included three irrigation schedules, viz.100% ETc (I1), 80% ETc (I2), and 60% ETc (I3), and five different mulches were used, viz. without mulch, white polythene, coriander straw, dry grass and black polythene mulches, replicated thrice. Results demonstrated that drip irrigation with 100% ETc and mulching with black polythene mulch significantly increase the plant growth attributes like height of the plant (28.64%) (30.31%), rootstock girth (36.61%) (37.90%), plant canopy spread (E-W and N-S) (EW- 63.82%, NS- 63.87%) (EW- 67.56%, NS- 67.90%) and leaf area (2.4%) (2.34%). Furthermore, plant leaf chlorophyll content (2.41 mg g-1) (2.41 mg g-1) and leaf mineral content such as N (2.39%) (2.40%), P (0.16%) (0.165%), K (1.57%) (1.59%), Ca (47.34 g kg-1) (47.80 g kg-1), Mg (4.54 g kg-1) (4.57 g kg-1), Fe (120.51 g kg-1) (123.15 g kg-1) and Zn (39.00 g kg-1) (37.84 g kg-1) were noted to be significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in plants that received 100% (were ETc (I1) and mulching with black polythene mulch (M1) treatment. Taken together, the results suggested that treatments I1 and M1 have the potential to maximize plant growth, leaf chemicals and soil nutrients of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) cv. Mosambi plants.

Modulating phytoremediation: How drip irrigation system affect performance of active green wall and microbial community changes

A recent innovation in air phytoremediation is active green walls, which utilises biofiltration technology with airflow from mechanical ventilation. While this novel technology is gaining traction, the influence of irrigation on soil moisture, and subsequently the microbial communities that play a role in air filtration is untested. In this study, the application of drip irrigation techniques in active green walls were investigated for their influence on system performance. A modular green wall system was tested, with tests across 7 different plant species, as well as a substrate only control. Water distribution across the modules, the water-carrying capacity and airflow through the substrate were measured. The microbial community present, which is critical to the phytoremediation process, was quantified by identifying individual microbial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) within the substrate. Results demonstrated that the lower-speed drip irrigation reduced water consumption compared to the rapid system, and had generally more uniform moisture distribution. High flow drip irrigation resulted in a water pathway phenomenon, leading to uneven moisture distribution within the green wall, and this effect was accentuated with fibrous root plant species. Drip irrigation did not change microbial community composition across planted modules, apart from increasing fungi by 6%, but did wash out bacteria at the high flow rate used (−56.67%), thus low flow rate irrigation rate is more beneficial for both plant growth and microbial community composition. The current work provides evidence that drip irrigation has considerable effects on both substrate airflow rate and substrate microbial density: both key to system air cleaning performance.

AI Precision for Irrigation, Crop Management, and Pest Control for Sustainable Agriculture in Oman

Abstract The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) precision techniques can improve sustainable agriculture practices in Oman. Our research aims to optimize crop management, pest control, and irrigation techniques by utilizing datasets from the Integrated Crop and Agricultural Resource Data System (ICARDS) and the Integrated Digital Framework for Irrigation Practices (IDFIP). The foundation for well-informed decision-making is provided by the extensive data on soil conditions, weather patterns, and past agricultural practices found in the IDFIP and ICARDS datasets. Our methodology uses Python- implemented machine learning models and sophisticated algorithms. The data is analysed by AI-driven models, which provide useful information for targeted pest control, effective crop management, and precision irrigation. Through the practical use of AI approaches, this research advances the field of precision agriculture. The results could greatly increase agricultural output, preserve water supplies, and reduce their negative effects on the environment. The Sultanate of Oman’s agriculture sector faces numerous obstacles, but integrating AI precision technologies offers a viable way to promote sustainable practices and guarantee food security.

Source Minerals for the Release of Salinity in the Groundwater: A Case Study of Pratapgarh District, Uttar Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to determine the salinity of groundwater, identify the nature of its sources, and to understand the physicochemical conditions that cause high level of salinity to be discharged into groundwater. There are several factors that influence groundwater salinity, including water quality, soil type, irrigation techniques, and groundwater depth. A total of 40 ground water samples were collected from dug wells, tube wells, and hand pumps in salinity-affected areas and analysed using physicochemical variables. A total of 11 sediment samples were collected and analysed for lithology and mineralogy. Due to high level of cations and anions in the groundwater, the study area is highly contaminated. It was observed that the leaching of salt is highly dependent on sediment types and salt-bearing minerals. Attempts were also made to determine the various depth zones responsible for release of salt in shallow aquifers. For sedimentological and mineralogical studies, a piezometer was installed at a maximum depth of 33 m below the ground surface. Based on the results of the study, it was observed that groundwater chemistry is primarily influenced by water-rock interactions, ion exchange processes, weathering (carbonate and silicate), and evaporation. These research findings will contribute to more effective sustainable groundwater management in areas with water scarcity and it will also boost the Indian economy.

Constructing Ubudehe? Farmers’ perceptions of drought impacts and resilience capacities in Bugesera, Rwanda

Purpose This paper analyses Rwandan farmers’ perceptions of historical drivers of landscape vulnerability (past), current livelihood assets (present) and existing or potential capacities (future) to increase resilience to drought. The specific focus is on linking experiences from the past and present with ideas for a drought-resilient future. It explores how farmers' perceptions of past droughts and future visioning can contribute to rural development policy and multi-level collaborations. Design/methodology/approach This study was conducted in Bugesera, a drought-prone district in south-eastern Rwanda. Empirical data was collected through participatory observation, semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The analytical points of departure are based on sustainable landscapes and livelihood approaches, combining spatial and temporal perspectives on challenges and opportunities identified by farmers’ communities in addressing droughts. Findings All respondents had a high awareness of the impact of droughts. Perceived drivers of landscape change include historical climate events, such as droughts and floods, immigration and agricultural expansion, which have led to demographic pressure on land, deforestation and infringement on natural resources. Factors enhancing resilience capacities include access to diversified sources of livelihood, knowledge of appropriate irrigation techniques and availability of safety nets and credits. Furthermore, farmers identified collaborative opportunities as important for resilience capacity, including peer learning, and sharing best practices through knowledge exchange and on-field training. In addition, farmers brought up the need for innovative institutions that can facilitate access to markets and enable collaboration between different agricultural sectors. Originality/value This study analyses farmers’ perceptions of resilience capacities to droughts through a spatiotemporal lens of past droughts, present capital and future challenges by linking scales, knowledge and human–environment nexus. This paper contributes to the knowledge of climate adaptation in Rwanda and to discussions about smallholder farming in the literature on climate change adaptation.

Irrigation techniques for calcium hydroxide removal from resorption cavities

Irrigation techniques for calcium hydroxide removal from resorption cavities

Effect of Irrigation Depth and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) Yield and Water Use Efficiency in Tselemty District, Tigray, Ethiopia

Optimizing agricultural crop production involves utilizing proper irrigation and fertilization techniques. A two-year experiment conducted in the Tselemty district during the off seasons of 2019 and 2020 aimed to assess the impact of varying irrigation levels and nitrogen fertilizer application rates on the growth, yield, and crop water productivity of pepper. The study included three irrigation levels (75%, 100%, and 125% of the required irrigation) and three nitrogen fertilizer application rates (75%, 100%, and 125% of the recommended amount). Analysis of the results using Gen-Stat software revealed that most pepper yield attributes were not significantly affected by the different irrigation and fertilizer levels. However, the marketable yield showed significant variation based on the combined application rates. The research indicates that, under ideal circumstances, the optimal approach for pepper growers is a combination of meeting 100% of the irrigation requirement and applying 100% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer rate. Nevertheless, in scenarios where water resources are limited and fertilizer expenses are high, a reduced irrigation level of 75% of the requirement coupled with 75% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer rate could be a viable alternative that does not lead to a substantial decrease in yield.

Urban Water Crisis in Kabul City: Key Challenges and Solutions

Water is an essential human need for survival. However, billions globally wake up daily with accessible and affordable clean water. Rapid population growth, urbanization, climate change, precipitation regime changes, industrial development, and environmental degradation increase pressure on urban water resources. As a result, water demand is continuously rising, leading to prominent shortages in many cities in developing and developed countries, regardless of their developmental condition. One such city facing significant water scarcity is Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, where rapid urbanization has outpaced local water supply infrastructure, resulting in unsustainable exploitation of groundwater resources. This directly threatens the well-being of millions of residents in this city. In anticipation of the exhaustion of local water sources, Kabul will soon need to explore alternative water supply methods, such as inter-basin water transfers, to meet the growing demand. This paper aims to offer a broad overview of urban water crises, evaluating the key drivers of water shortages, exploring the specific water crisis facing Kabul, and analyzing previous research, reports, papers, flow data, groundwater data, maps/charts, field observations, surveys, GIS data, and statistical analysis as the methods for this work. So, to combat declining groundwater levels, a sustainable groundwater management approach is crucial. The approach includes water conservation methods, the implementation of efficient irrigation techniques, and the adoption of water pricing mechanisms.

Smart Sensors and NodeMCU ESP8266-Based Automated Irrigation System for Effective Water Management in Agriculture

In India, agriculture is the biggest and most essential sector. The Global Internet of Things (IoT) is a vital aspect of smart farming. Internet of Things (IoT) is the interconnection of many devices over the internet. All devices are interconnected via unique identifiers, enabling data transfer without requiring interaction between humans. A sufficient amount of water is given to the crop in agriculture at a specific time through irrigation. The primary objective of this paper is develop a controlled watering system that uses smart sensors and NodeMCU ESP8266 to improve water efficiency in plants, integrated with things of speak platform. By integrating soil moisture sensors, the system ensures that irrigation is given only when the soil penetrates a predefined dryness threshold by continuously monitoring the moisture levels in the soil. By using an optimized method, water waste is reduced and plants are given the proper amount of water for healthy growth. DHT11 sensor also monitor humidity and temperature, which enables the system to modify watering schedules in response to current meteorological conditions. These environmental elements can be implemented in the system to help it adjust to changing conditions and increase overall water efficiency. Rain sensors are used to detect rainwater. When rainwater occurs, irrigation is automatically stopped to avoid overwatering and significantly preserve water resources. The central processing unit (CPU) is the NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller, which extracts data collected by the sensors and regulates of irrigation system in reaction to the real-time data. This automated approach improves the accuracy of irrigation techniques while also decreasing the need for human intervention, which saves time and labour

Sustainable agriculture through qanat systems in Karabakh: Water and soil characteristics in the context of climate change

This study investigates the water quality and soil characteristics associated with qanat systems in the Cebrail district of the Karabakh region, Azerbaijan. Qanat systems, traditional underground channels designed for water transport, play a crucial role in providing reliable water sources for drinking and irrigation. Water and soil samples were collected from seven qanat systems and analyzed for various physicochemical properties. Water quality parameters included pH, electrical conductivity, hardness, mineralization, and concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and other ions. Soil analyses focused on pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter content, salinization degree, and the presence of key ions like sulfate and nitrate. The results indicated that qanat water is generally of high quality, with pH levels suitable for both drinking and irrigation. However, some qanat systems exhibited high electrical conductivity and mineralization levels, suggesting potential salinity issues for sensitive crops. Soil samples showed favorable conditions for agriculture, with good pH levels, low salinity, and high organic matter content. The analysis revealed a significant interaction between water quality and soil characteristics, emphasizing the importance of integrated management practices. In the context of climate change, the sustainability of qanat systems is critical. Recommendations include regular monitoring of water and soil quality, soil amendments to mitigate salinity, efficient irrigation techniques, and the use of climate-resilient infrastructure. This study underscores the importance of qanat systems in arid and semi-arid regions and provides practical recommendations for sustainable land and water resource management, enhancing the socio-economic well-being of local communities.

A Review on Enhancing Crop Yield through Smart Irrigation

Improving irrigation efficiency is crucial for the sustainability of agricultural production. The rise of smart irrigation techniques, particularly with advancements in wireless communication systems, monitoring devices, and control techniques, has the potential to significantly enhance irrigation efficiency. This study explores a broad spectrum of scientific approaches to smart irrigation, comparing and analyzing various methodologies to understand the effectiveness of these technologies. The research spans a wide range of topics, including irrigation methods, decision-making processes, and the technologies employed in smart irrigation. The information was meticulously gathered from a variety of scientific papers, with a particular focus on documents published over the past four years by authors from around the globe. Special attention was also given to various irrigation initiatives that demonstrate the practical application of these techniques. The subsequent evaluation in this study focuses on the critical components of smart irrigation, such as real-time irrigation scheduling, the Internet of Things (IoT), the significance of a reliable internet connection, smart sensing technologies, and energy harvesting. These components are essential for developing efficient and sustainable irrigation practices that can meet the challenges faced by modern agriculture.

Challenges and Adoption of Bivoltine Hybrid Silkworm Rearing in Karnataka's South-Eastern Dry Zone, India

The present study explores the adoption of bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearing practices in the South-Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, specifically within the Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts. Data collected from thirty sericulturists using a pretested interview schedule, reveal a mixed picture of practice adoption. The adoption levels of recommended practices vary significantly among rearers. While high adoption rates were observed for certain practices, such as the use of recommended mulberry varieties and irrigation techniques, other practices show only moderate adherence. Specifically, cent per cent of the sericulturists have adopted the recommended mulberry variety and 93.33% follow suggested irrigation schedules. However, there is only a 60% adoption rate for the use of prescribed fertilizers and pest management practices. The study also highlights several key constraints impacting the adoption of these practices. Major constraints include limited access to quality inputs, insufficient technical knowledge and inadequate extension services. Financial constraints and environmental challenges further exacerbate these issues, affecting the overall effectiveness of sericulture practices. Recommendations to improve adoption levels include enhancing access to quality inputs, enhancing educational and extension services which talking financial obstacles. By implementing these recommendations, it is anticipated that sericulturists in these region will be better equipped to adopt and benefit from advanced silkworm rearing practices, resulting in greater productivity and long-term sustainability in the sericulture sector.

Performance Evaluation of Woybo Irrigation Scheme: Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Performance evaluation of irrigation scheme is vital for realizing the present status and identifying the area for improvement. The study was conducted in Woybo irrigation scheme which is located in Boloso Sore district, Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia. This study was aimed to evaluate the performance of Woybo irrigation scheme with internal performance indicators. A total of nine demonstrating farmers' fields were selected from three canal reaches (head, middle, and tail) through purposive sampling. Primary and secondary data were collected, recorded, and analyzed. To measure the water applied to each experimental field, Parshall flume was installed, and soil samples were taken to determine soil texture, field capacity, permanent wilting point, and soil moisture content before and after each irrigation event at regular soil depth intervals. The results revealed that the mean conveyance efficiency was 60.85% and the application efficiency was 48.53%. Water distribution uniformity, deep percolation, and storage efficiencies were 84.56%, 51.47%, and 85.22%, respectively. However, the overall irrigation efficiency was found to be 29.53%, which was poorly performed due to inadequate water application, ineffective field water management, and low efficiency in water delivery systems. The main factors contributing to the poor water delivery performance included failures in water regulating gates, leakages, and siltation of canals. To address these problems, recommendations are made such as improvements in water application techniques should be implemented, through proper irrigation scheduling, water conservation practices, surge irrigation techniques, and providing extension support, training, and experience sharing. Additionally, maintenance and lining of earthen canals are necessary, along with the replacement and repair of leakages and broken water regulating and controlling structures. These measures can help to upgrade water delivery efficiency and improve the overall performance of the irrigation scheme.