Microirrigation Systems Research Articles

Effect of installing a screen filter in front of and behind a pump on filtering performance in a microirrigation system

AbstractThe installation location (prepump and postpump) of the filter influences both the head loss and the filtering effectiveness. To understand the difference in the influence, we take the screen filter as the research object, set up two filtration methods and five fertilizer concentrations and then use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations and experiments to compare and analyse the head loss, intercepted volume, particle size and gradation of intercepted impurities of the filter. We also develop calculation methods for the head loss. Our study shows that (1) when the water is clear, the flow velocity in the local upstream surface of the filter under prepump filtration (PRPF) is larger and changes more dramatically. The head loss under PRPF increases by 50%–88% compared to postpump filtration (POPF). (2) When the fertilized solution is applied, more fine particles pass through the filter under PRPF compared to POPF influenced by pump suction, the maximum head loss is reduced by 15%, and the interception volume is reduced by 55%. It follows that fewer fine particles are intercepted. (3) We develop fitting equations for the two filtration methods that reflect the relationship between the head loss and two factors, the relative effective water‐crossing area and the fertilizer concentrations, and R2 > 0.83. The study provides a reference for the installation and utilization of filters in microirrigation systems.

Establishment of a projection-pursuit-regression-based prediction model for the filtration performance of a micro-pressure filtration and cleaning tank for micro-irrigation

Filtration is a key process of a micro-irrigation system. To achieve water conservation, improve the energy efficiency, and meet the low-carbon environmental requirements, this study investigates a new type of pre-pump filtration measure—the micro-pressure filtration and cleaning tank, and the sediment removal (SR), mass of intercepted sediment (Ma), and filtration time (t) are used as evaluation indicators. A uniform orthogonal test was designed to evaluate the influences of the initial sediment concentration, flow rate, and filter area. We carried out simulations using the projection pursuit regression (PPR) method based on physical measurement data, and then NSGA-II (fast elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm) algorithm was used to find the optimal parameter values. The results showed that the order of the factors influencing the SR and Ma of the micro-pressure filtration and cleaning tank was the filter area > initial sediment concentration > flow rate. The order of the factors influencing the filtration time was flow rate > initial sediment concentration > filter area. A PPR prediction model was built based on the filter area, initial sediment concentration, flow rate, and assessment indicators, and the optimal operating conditions were determined (initial sediment concentration: 0.36 kg/m3, flow rate: 7 m3/h, and filter area: 2000 cm2). The research results demonstrated the filtration performance of the micro-pressure filtration and cleaning tank and provide a theoretical basis for the popularization and application of such tanks as well as a reference for sustainable new irrigation technologies.

Прогноз параметра «Мутность» на выходе из песчаных фильтров, питаемых сточными водами

The work was carried out according to an innovative methodology that combines the approach of regression of Gaussian processes with the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb optimization algorithm with limited memory in order to predict the turbidity parameter of water at the outlet of sand-filled filters used in micro-irrigation systems. The order of significance of the variables involved in predicting the “turbidity” parameter at the outlet of filters with sand filler has been established. In particular, the input variable “Turbidity” can be considered the most important parameter in making a forecast. The methodology applied in the work can be successfully applied to other filtration processes with the same or different types of filter media, but the characteristics of each filter and experiment must always be taken into account.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARKETING STRATEGY OF AGRICULTURAL SECTOR ENTERPRISES ON THE GRAIN MARKETS OF UKRAINE AND THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARKETING STRATEGY OF AGRICULTURAL SECTOR ENTERPRISES ON THE GRAIN MARKETS OF UKRAINE AND THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

WATER REGIME AND EFFICIENCY OF GROWING SUNFLOWER HYBRIDS DEPENDING ON THE ELEMENTS OF DRIP IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY

The article presents the results of experimental research on the influence of micro-irrigation system designs on the water regime, productivity, and efficiency of sunflower cultivation. Based on this, the main economic parameters of agrotechnologies of sunflower cultivation were calculated. Short-term field research was carried out in the period 2020-2022 on the lands of the Brylivske experimental field of the Institute of Water Problems and Reclamation of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences (Kherson Region, Dry Steppe subzone). Analytical and statistical methods were used to process experimental data. The scheme of field experiments provided different options for laying irrigation pipelines of micro-irrigation systems (in the horizontal and vertical planes) and the implementation of a pulsed water supply mode (standard). The control was the variant without irrigation. According to the results of experimental studies, it was proved that the method of laying irrigation pipelines of micro-irrigation systems significantly affects the parameters of the formation of the soil water regime and the yield of sunflower hybrids in the conditions of the Dry Steppe. It has been established that the introduction of subsurface drip irrigation is more appropriate than the cultivation of sunflower hybrids, which is explained by the drought resistance of this crop. When growing sunflowers, the variant with the subsurface laying of drip irrigation pipelines provided almost identical yield parameters at lower plant water consumption coefficients. 
 The minimum water consumption coefficient (1077,8 m3/t) was obtained by implementing the pulse water supply mode. The highest economic parameters of agricultural technology for growing sunflower hybrids were obtained with the subsurface drip irrigation: conditionally net profit (17,11-18,17 thousand UAH/ha), lower cost (11,03-10,90 thousand UAH/ton), and also a higher level of production profitability (31,10-32,62%) (laying irrigation pipelines every 1,0 m, regardless of the sunflower hybrid). Due to the higher grain yield and specific savings of irrigation water in the pulse mode of water supply, the highest economic parameters were achieved: gross income amounted to 80,51 thousand UAH/ha, conditionally net profit – 21,24 thousand UAH/ha, cost of 1 ton of grain - UAH 10,6 thousand and the level of profitability of production – 35,8%.

Solar Photovoltaic Pump-operated Micro-irrigation Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Increasing energy scarcity has compelled the agricultural and energy engineers to look for alternative renewable energy sources to sustain irrigated agriculture. Among the renewable energy options available for irrigation, adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is growing at faster rate all around the world. Also, the micro-irrigation (MI) system is widely accepted as the most efficient irrigation method. Integrated application of solar PV and MI system is one of the most energy- and water-efficient solution to agriculture, and is gaining popularity among the farmers. However, the intermittent supply of power from the solar PV system hinders the performance of directly connected MI system. It demands additional costly energy and water storage options for hassle-free operation. Systematic integration of PV and MI system is required to avoid storage options and to meet energy and water demand of crops for universal agricultural applications. This manuscript is an attempt to present a comprehensive review of literature reported in this area in the past two decades.

Evaluating a Surface Energy Balance Model for Partially Wetted Surfaces: Drip and Micro-Sprinkler Systems in Hazelnut Orchards (Corylus Avellana L.)

A multi-layer surface energy balance model was previously developed to estimate crop transpiration (T) and soil evaporation (E) in orchards partially wet by micro-irrigation systems. The model, referred to as SEB-PW, estimates latent (λE), sensible (H), and soil heat fluxes (G) and separates actual evapotranspiration (ETa) into dry and wet soil E and crop T. The main goal of this work was to evaluate the ability of the SEB-PW model to estimate ETa and analyze the diurnal and seasonal dynamics of E and T in two hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) orchards irrigated by drip or micro-sprinkler systems. The assessment showed that simulated hourly ET was highly correlated with estimates from nearby weather stations and with measurements from micro-lysimeters (MLs). Hourly ET estimates were evaluated by root-mean-square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), the Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient (NSE), and the index of agreement (da), which equaled 58.6 W m−2, 35.6 W m−2, 0.85, and 0.94, respectively. Daily E estimates were also evaluated and equaled 0.27 mm day−1, 0.21 mm day−1, 0.87, and 0.94, respectively, and obtained a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.85 when compared to the measurements from the MLs. Within a day of irrigation, E accounted for 28 and 46% of ET. In accordance with the obtained results, the proposed SEB-PW model improves estimates of soil E by allowing the wetted and non-wetted areas to be estimated separately, which could be useful for optimizing irrigation methods and practices in hazelnut orchards.

The Role of Micro-Irrigation Systems in Date Palm Production and Quality: Implications for Sustainable Investment

This research examines the role of micro-irrigation systems, i.e., sprinkler and drip irrigation, on date palm production and quality in a semi-arid region. The field experiment was carried out for two successful seasons at a private farm, in the Al-Nubaria region of Egypt. The date palm was planted under pressurized irrigation (drip irrigation and mini-sprinkler irrigation) to investigate the effect of both irrigation systems and three water treatments (100, 80, and 60% from ETc) on the yield and quality of date palms. Results on the productivity of date palm yields showed that the yield of date palm under a drip-irrigation system with 80% of crop water demand was an equal match to the yield of the sprinkler-irrigated date palm with 100% of crop water demand. This reflects the high efficiency of the drip irrigation system compared to the sprinkler irrigation system in date palms, especially in the semi-arid region. The results showed a significant increase in productivity by increasing water applied from 60% up to 80 and 100%. Quality attributes of date palm (particularly, sucrose, purity, and extractable sugar %) have a rise with increasing water deficit. The results have numerous implications, especially for sustainable investment in date palms. Implications for three aspects of sustainable investment, economic, social, and environmental, are discussed.

Performance assessment of the TORO Company Neptune PC AS dripline

In order to design an efficient microirrigation system, a monitoring approach allowing quantifying the main variables affecting the level of uniformity should be pursued. In the present work, we assess the performances of a commercial dripline, the product “Neptune PC AS”, furnished by TORO Company, employing an ad hoc built experimental benchmark, in doing so defining the dripline acceptable working conditions. Neptune PC AS has been tested at different operating pressure heads (range 1.5 - 3.5 bar) and its performances have been evaluated employing a series of metrics (the emitter technological variation coefficient, the emitter uniformity and the application efficiency). The obtained results show that Neptune PC AS is characterized by a strong pressure-compensating effect on the emitters and by very good / excellent performances for all the investigated operating pressure heads. Moreover, Neptune PC AS is characterized by limited differences between the maximum and the minimum of the emitter flow rate, in case of operating pressure heads equal to 1.5 bar and 2.0 bar, while such differences tend to increase for higher operating pressures.

Modeling capillary wick irrigation system for greenhouse crop production

Microirrigation system is an efficient irrigation method that saves up to 60% of water and nutrients. However, the huge investment for installation of modern microirrigation systems is beyond of many smallholder crop producers. Therefore, this study focuses to model and develop the capillary wick irrigation system for greenhouse crop production to address this issue. The results revealed on tested wick materials that the maximum capillary height and maximum water holding capacity were observed in cotton bonded non-woven wick material compared to other materials (p > 0.05). Water level, wick length, and pot size linearly affected the discharge of wick emitter in hanging and buried capillary wick irrigation system (CWIS). In this study, the discharge equations for wick emitter of hanging and buried CWIS were successfully developed. Comparison of calculated discharge using newly developed equation with actual measured discharge of buried wick for potted tomatoes in greenhouse proved the accuracy of the equation. The effects of evapotranspiration were also found linearly on discharge of wick emitter and the relation between emitter discharge, pot size and evapotranspiration were lead the development of wick discharge linear curve (WDLC). WDLC introduced to estimate the required discharge for potted crops under CWIS. Then, solver program was used to successfully simulate the wick discharge for different potted crops under a CWIS. Outcomes of the study can be beneficial for smallholder farmers for greenhouse crop production for adopting CWIS as low-cost and highly efficient microirrigation system.

Crop yield and energy assessment of chickpea and sunflower cultivation depending on microirrigation system designs

Over the past 15-20 years, agricultural production in Ukraine has been reoriented to the cultivation of more profitable, highly liquid, as well as drought-resistant crops, in particular – chickpeas and sunflowers. Simultaneously, the technology of growing these crops is quite energy-consuming, especially under irrigation conditions. Therefore, research on the impact of micro-irrigation system designs on the energy parameters of chickpea and sunflower cultivation is relevant. The purpose of the scientific work is to perform an energy assessment of chickpea and sunflower cultivation depending on the construction of micro-irrigation systems and the method of water supply. Research methods: short-term field experiments, and analytical and statistical methods for processing experimental data. The scheme of field experiments provided for various options for laying irrigation pipelines (IP) of micro-irrigation systems (in the horizontal and vertical planes) and the implementation of a pulsed water supply mode (standard). The control was the variant without irrigation. Based on the results of experimental studies, it was found that the method of laying irrigation pipelines (the design of micro-irrigation systems) reliably affects the yield of field crops. Thus, a higher yield was recorded with a shorter distances between the IP (0,7 and 1,0 m), regardless of the depth of the pipelines. It has been proven, that the higher yield level of both chickpeas (4,28 t/ha) and sunflower (4,50 t/ha) was obtained when implementing the pulse water supply mode, however, such an increase was within the error of the field experiment. At the same time, the introduction of subsoil drip irrigation is more appropriate than the cultivation of chickpeas and sunflowers in terms of the total energy costs of the technology. An analysis of energy efficiency in terms of the energy efficiency coefficient (EEC) indicates a high level of energy efficiency in chickpea and sunflower cultivation under both surface and subsurface drip irrigation (EEC = 2,03-2,23 and 2,32-2,50, respectively). The most effective was the cultivation of these crops with a pulsed water supply: EEC was 2,44 for growing of chickpeas and 2,61 for growing of sunflowers. The research materials are of practical value for farmers in the matter of energy management in chickpea and sunflower micro-irrigation technologies.

Ensemble HYDRUS-2D modeling to improve apparent electrical conductivity sensing of soil salinity under drip irrigation

Monitoring and mapping soil salinity are valuable for irrigation management and reclamation of salt-affected agricultural soils in arid and semi-arid regions. Proximal measurements of apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) can help characterize soil salinity spatial distributions. However, ECa is not solely a function of salinity. ECa is strongly influenced by soil salinity, water content, and edaphic properties such as texture and bulk density. Consequently, monitoring and mapping salinity based on geospatial ECa measurements is challenging in fields with dynamic and spatially complex patterns of salinity and water content, such as occurs under drip irrigation. We conducted a numerical modeling study to evaluate protocols for using proximal ECa sensing in drip irrigated systems, focusing specifically on the measurement distance from the drip-line that consistently identifies areas of high salinity in the rootzone. The measurement distance was evaluated as a function of six irrigation management parameters: soil hydraulic conductivity, irrigation discharge, irrigation interval, solute concentration, root-zone volume, and leaching fraction. HYDRUS-2D was used to run a 729 member ensemble of drip irrigation simulations of water and solute dynamics under different irrigation management scenarios. Two case studies were simulated for clay loam soil: (1) low salinity soil irrigated with high salinity irrigation water and (2) high salinity soil irrigated with low salinity water. Depth-averaged ECa measurements down to the 75 and 150 cm depths, such as can be obtained using an electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensor, were evaluated in the simulations. According to the ensemble results, a reliable EMI measurement distance from the drip-line was about 100 cm for the case of low salinity irrigation in saline soil and adjacent to the drip-line for the high salinity irrigation. The ensemble ECa and EC of saturated paste extract (ECe) distributions were twice as sensitive to the irrigation water salinity level as compared to the other irrigation management parameters. The probabilistic ensemble approach can be extended to a variety of case studies to aid soil scientists and agricultural consultants monitoring and mapping soil salinity with ECa-directed soil sampling for micro-irrigation systems.

Assessment of Farmers' Adoption Level of Climate Change Adaptation Practices in the Southern Parts of Tamil Nadu

Climate change is a global hazard to the world's food and nutritional security. As greenhouse-gas emissions in the atmosphere rise, so does the temperature due to the greenhouse effect. The average world temperature is steadily rising and is expected to climb by 2 degrees Celsius by 2100, resulting in significant global economic losses. Climate variability in the form of temperature and precipitation may impact on agricultural production and productivity. The study was conducted in the wetland, dryland, and garden land farming systems of the Tamil Nadu districts of Madurai and Sivagangai with a sample size of 120 farmers. Descriptive statistics were used in this study. For compare all three systems; a simple percentage analysis was performed. The majority of respondents in the wetland (65.00%), dryland (70.00%), and garden land (75.00%) farming reported a medium level of climate change adaptations. Cropping system diversification includes mixed cropping (65.00%), intercropping (36.66%), perennial and tree crop agriculture (30.00%), and fallow cropping (25.8%). Summer ploughing (36.67%) and micro-irrigation systems (34.17%) were among the water conservation strategies used by nearly one-third of those polled. The majority of respondents (85.00%) were rearing cattle followed by working as a r worker (off-farm activities) (56.67%) in the local industry is the second most common income diversification activity done by farmers.Government and agencies must play an important role in improving farmers' adaptive capacity by disseminating agrometeorological data and tools, conducting vulnerability assessments, and providing policy advice to strengthen institutional approaches to disaster risk reduction so that farmers can respond to the immediate risks of climate change and make the best use of climate variability.

Micro-Irrigation Technology Adoption in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon: A Behavioural Model

Potato crops are one of the main sources of income for farmers living in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon. Given the high sensitivity of potatoes to water stress, water shortages can cause considerable losses in terms of potato yield and quality. To overcome this challenge, the use of water-saving technologies such as micro-irrigation systems are very important. However, the adoption of this technique remains quite low among potato farmers in the Bekaa region, who still use ordinary sprinkler systems. In this study, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) serves as the conceptual framework for investigating these farmers’ behaviour in adopting a new micro-irrigation system. To achieve this objective, we extended the UTAUT model by considering farmers’ risk perception of the use of a new micro-irrigation technology. The moderators tested were age, previous experience, voluntariness of use, gross unit margin and educational level. Examining the standard regression coefficients, i.e., the β weights, the results indicate that performance expectancy raised behavioural intention for investment in micro-irrigation (β = 0.29) while for effort expectancy the β weight value was 0.24. Overall, an increase of 1 standard deviation of the behavioural intention strongly impacted investment in micro-irrigation systems, β = 0.8 standard deviation of the effective adoption of the technology. Risk perception (β = −0.08) negatively affected farmers’ performance expectancy, i.e., the higher the perceived risk, the lower the perceived performance of the investment, which in turn affected their intention to use micro-irrigation systems. Age (β = 0.11) exerted a significant effect on effort expectancy. Finally in this paper, the policy implications of the results are discussed.

Prioritization of major constraints in micro-irrigation technology adoption encountered by the cotton growers in North Maharashtra

Proper utilization and efficient development of the limited water resources is the milestone for food security for the entire world. Micro-irrigation technology facilitates improvement in water saving, water use efficiency, yield of the crop, investment in and short payback periods. The data was collected from 60 adopter and 60 non-adopter farmers of Dhule and Nandurbar districts of Maharashtra, India by personal interview through a pre-tested questionnaire. The constraints faced by the farmers in adoption of micro-irrigation technology were identified and put before the sample farmers and the farmers were asked to list priority-wise major constraints they were facing in micro-irrigation technology adoption for construction of a Responses-Priority Index (RPI). High initial investment of micro-irrigation system, clogging and chocking of emitters, unavailability of subsidy on time, lack of technical knowhow of micro- irrigation system and complex and lengthy procedure of loan were most perceived constraints with RPI values of 0.97, 0.90, 0.77, 0.70 and 0.68, respectively influenced the decision of micro-irrigation technology adoption.

Modified ECa – ECe protocols for mapping soil salinity under micro-irrigation

Climate change will increase the frequency and intensity of drought in water-scarce agricultural areas that rely on irrigation. The increased strain on finite water resources for irrigated agriculture will cause a shift from sprinkler and flood irrigation to micro-irrigation. Micro-irrigation results in complex 3-dimensional salinity patterns. Current field-scale apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) directed soil sampling protocols and guidelines are inadequate for mapping the complex local-scale 3-dimensional nature of salinity resulting from water applications by micro-irrigation systems (i.e., drip, buried drip, micro sprinklers, bubblers, etc.). A field study was conducted to develop additional ECa-directed soil sampling guidelines to map local- and field-scale variability in salinity under drip-irrigation systems within a commercial nut production orchard (i.e., pistachio orchard) using hard (i.e., salinity or ECe, electrical conductivity of the saturation extract) and soft data (i.e., geospatial ECa measurements), which required an accurate ECa – ECe calibration. The revised ECa-directed soil sampling guidelines for drip irrigation on a mature pistachio orchard indicate that a single soil core should be taken 0.9–1.2 m perpendicular to the drip line within the tree root system, rather than at the drip line, to improve the ECa – ECe calibration. Calibration of ECa to ECe, improved from R2 = 0.25 to R2 = 0.73 for site Flores D01, and from R2 = 0.17 to R2 = 0.72 for site Flores D05. The improved guidelines broaden the scope of application of ECa-directed soil sampling to map field-scale salinity on orchards under drip irrigation. The information presented is of value and benefit to producers, agriculture consultants, irrigation practitioners, cooperative extension specialists, Natural Resources Conservation Service field staff, and soil and water researchers.

Natural Repellents as a Method of Preventing Ant Damage to Microirrigation Systems.

Simple SummaryAnts play an essential role in most agroecosystems. However, these insects can occasionally be detrimental to agricultural microirrigation equipment by chewing on tubing parts and causing uneven water distribution along the crops. One of the alternatives traditionally proposed to avoid this damage is the incorporation of substances into the tube material that deter or reduce chewing activity. However, the few attempts made prior to this research were unsuccessful due to the unsuitability of the selected substances and the methods used to integrate them into the tubing. In this study, we assessed the protective efficacy of this method in pipes used for subsurface drip irrigation (SDI). Unlike traditional attempts, we selected nontoxic compounds previously proven to be repellent against ants and integrated them into drip tubing through complex processes such as plastic compounding, injection and extrusion. The use of this type of tubing in a crop where significant ant damage is often reported revealed minimum damage when compared to control tubing containing no repellent additives. This suggests the efficiency of this method in providing protection against ants, but further studies are recommended prior to the commercialization of the designed system.Ants are important because they damage agricultural equipment, including microirrigation systems. The aim of this research was to assess the efficiency of the incorporation of repellents in drip irrigation tubing as a method of protection against ant damage. Unlike previous studies, we tested a series of nontoxic compounds that are repellent to ants. First, we assessed their repellent effects on a local ant species via olfactometer trials. Then, the candidates showing the best results (cinnamon essential oil, p-anisaldehyde and ethyl anthranilate) were incorporated via compounding, injection and extrusion to polyethylene tubing to test their efficiency in the field. Field tests showed high damage levels in the control tubing containing no repellents, presumably caused by up to six different ant species (Cardiocondyla batesii, Plagiolepis pygmaea, P. schmitzii, Solenopsis sp., Tapinoma nigerrimum and Tetramorium semilaeve). In contrast, the pipes containing the three selected compounds remained almost intact, with the treatment including ethyl anthranilate showing no damage at all. These results suggest the strong repellent potential of the selected compounds, even when integrated into plastic, as well as the apparent success of the proposed methodology against the damage caused by ants. The diversity of damage-causing agents that exist in or above the soil strongly encourages further studies to determine the overall efficiency of repellents in protecting irrigation pipes.

An IoT Based Real Time Monitoring of Agricultural and Microirrigation System

Precision Agriculture is a farm management technology that uses information technology to ensure that crops and soil get exactly what they need for better health and productivity. Now modern day technology or IoT invested in modern farms is growing alongside the concept of IoT and Precision Agriculture (PA). The concept of Internet of Things (IoT) helps us to integrate all these resources into precise agriculture. Monitoring real-time nature is an important factor in advanced farming. Graphical User Interface based software will be provided to control the computer system and the system will be isolated, equipped with sensors such as temperature sensor, moisture sensor, ground sensor, ldr sensor, DS18B20 temperature sensor etc. Therefore to overcome the problems in monitoring we go to “IoT Based Real Time Monitoring for Agricultural and Microirrigation system”. In the context of real-time monitoring of agriculture and small-scale irrigation of Agriculture, we face the challenge of integrating the Internet of Things with control and sensitivity to improve agricultural efficiency. The use of a sensor network that collects data from different types of sensors and transmits it to a large server using a controller and all of these parameters can be monitored using an LCD display and the Things Speak or Blynk app. Using IoT all data is analyzed with the help of speech tools and the blynk app. Advanced multimedia platform can be remotely controlled by mobile phone and laptop. Keywords–Precision Agriculture, Internet of Things(IOT), Sensor, ThingSpeak, Blynk.

Agroecological sub-zone based sustainable land use in arid Rajasthan (India)

The arid region of Rajasthan has been classified into unique agro-ecological sub-regions, zones, and sub-zones (indicated by their code number in this abstract) for which sustainable land use has been suggested based on the potentials and constraints. 2.1, 2.2 and 3.1 sub-zones need dune stabilization, silvopastural farming, and kharif cultivation in interdunes; khadin water harvesting system, as well as solar farming. 4.1 and 4.2 sub-zones need rainfed cropping under conserved moisture, agroforestry and limited irrigation, cultivation of low water requiring crops, such as mustard, cumin in rabi. In 4.3 sub-zone under conserved moisture and winter rainfall pulses and mustard are suggested. In 5.1 and 5.2 sub-zones kharif season crops and wheat, mustard, cumin, and condiments irrigated with brackish groundwater by adopting gypsum treatment are suggested. In the canal command area, the micro-irrigation system is doing well in the sandy plain and dune complex area, but in the Ned area irrigation needs to be restricted/avoided. In 5.3 and 5.4 sub-zones, rainfed irrigated crops and fruit cultivation is suggested. In 6.1 sub-zone dune stabilization is suggested; 6.2 and 6.3 sub-zones require erosion control and irrigation water management for the cultivation of cotton, paddy, groundnut, sugarcane, and kinnow.

Effects of Automated Irrigation Systems and Water Regimes on Soil Properties, Water Productivity, Yield and Fruit Quality of Date Palm

Applications of modern micro-irrigation methods are inevitable for optimum water use due to the limitations imposed by irrigation water resource scarcity. Regardless of water shortages and associated challenges in dry areas, the irrigation of date palm trees consumes an excessive quantity of water annually using conventional irrigation methods. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of modern surface and subsurface micro-irrigation systems, i.e., subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI), controlled surface irrigation (CSI), and surface drip-irrigation methods (SDI), with different irrigation water regimes, i.e., 50%, 75%, and 100% irrigation water requirements (IWRs), on the yield and fruit quality of date palms (cv. Khalas) and water conservation in the dryland region of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The effects of three irrigation methods and IWRs were studied on macronutrients and soil chemical properties at three depths (0–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm), as well as on water productivity, yield, and the fruit quality of date palms. The study was carried out over two years and was designed using a two-factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with nine replications. The results indicated that electrical conductivity (EC) increased as the depth of the soil increased. The soil chemical properties did not change much in all experimental treatments, while soil pH values decreased with the soil depth from 0–30 to 60–90 cm. Although the maximum fruit yield (96.62 kg palm−1) was recorded when 100% irrigation water was applied in the SSDI system, other treatment combinations, such as SDI at 100% IWR (84.86 kg palm−1), SSDI at 75% IWR (84.84 kg palm−1), and CSI at 100% IWR (83.86 kg palm−1) behaved alike and showed promising results. Similarly, the highest irrigation water productivity (2.11 kg m−3) was observed in the SSDI system at 50% IWR, followed by the SSDI at 75% IWR (1.64 kg m−3) and 100% IWR (1.40 kg m−3). Fruit quality attributes were also promoted with the SSDI system at 75% IWR. Hence, the SSDI method at 75% IWR appeared to be an optimal choice for date palm irrigation in arid areas due to its positive impact on water conservation and fruit characteristics without affecting soil chemical properties.