Evaluation Of Irrigation Scheduling Practices In The Kesem Sugar Development Project In Afar Regional State

Abstract

Appropriate Field Water Application Practices Safeguard That Plants Could Get Peak Supply Of Water In Their Root Zone For Achieving Best Yield Of Crops Without Facing Water Stress And Damaging The Quality Of Soils. However, There Is A Big Problem On Applying Water Without Considering The Soil Type And Crop Characteristics On Sugar Estate Farms. Therefore, This Study Was Conducted To Assess The Existing Irrigation Application Practices And Develop Irrigation Scheduling. Climatic, Soil And Crop Data Were Used To Accomplish The Planned Objectives. Climatic Data?�?S From Metrology Station And Crop Data?�?S From Research Finding And Previous Studies Were Collected. The Soil Data?�?S From Selected Irrigation Fields Were Collected And Analyzed In Soil Laboratory Of Melka-Werer Agricultural Research Centre Using Gravimetric Method. Crop Evapotranspiration Was Analysed Using Cropwat Software Based On Penman-Monteith Method. Net Depths Of Application, Net Irrigation Requirements And Irrigation Interval Were Analyzed Using Standard Equations. Crop Evapotranspiration Obtained For The Age Of 0 To 3, 3 To 6, 6 To 12 And Above 12 Months Were 3.74, 5.26, 5.68 And 3.88 Mm/Day Respectively. Net Depths Of Water Application Obtained For 0 To 3, 3 To 6, 6 To 12 And Above 12 Months Age Were 33.80, 50.70, 67.60 And 101.30 Mm Respectively. Net Irrigation Requirements Obtained For 0 To 3, 3 To 6, 6 To 12 And Above 12 Months Were 2.32, 3.82, 4.24 And 2.45 Mm/Day Respectively. Irrigation Interval Obtained For Age Of 0 To 3, 3 To 6, 6 To 12 And Above 12 Months Were 9, 10, 12, And 27 Days Respectively. From Field Evaluation, Most Of Irrigation Activities Were Not Carried Out As Per The Design Document. The Irrigation Scheduling Practices Considering Site Condition (Soil Type, Growing Months And Stages) Was Suggested To Implement In The Kesem Sugar Development Project.