Application of SP AW model parameters - optimum sowing date and water stress to explain wheat yield variability

The Soil-Plant-Atmosphere- Water (SPA W) model has been calibrated and validated using field experiment data from 1991-92 to 1993-94 for wheat crop at Varanasi district. Long-term (1973-74 to 1995-96) daily weather data were combined with general observation of wheat growth and soils to provide daily water budgets for 23 years. The model was calibrated with one year detailed crop growth characteristics and soil water observations and validated with another year soil water observations. The daily-integrated water stress index (WSI) values at the end of crop season correlated quite well with observed grain yield in this region. The water budget analysis shows a distinct optimum sowing period from 5th to 25th November and an optimum sowing date on 15th November with minimal water stress index. These results demonstrate the potential of SPA W model for planning irrigation scheduling and water management for wheat crop in this region.

Determination of optimum irrigation scheduling for sorghum in Benna-Tsemay Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

Scarcity of water is the most severe constraint for sustainable development of agriculture in arid and semi-arid areas. Hence, novel irrigation water application systems need to be developed so that high crop yield and water productivity per unit of land can be increased. Thus, the field experiment was conducted with the objective of determining the effect of different soil moisture depletion levels on yield and water use efficiency of sorghum crop in Benna-Tsemay woreda at Enchete kebele, Southern Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2019-2020). It was arranged in RCBD with three replications and treatment was rated for five levels of available soil moisture depletion (ASMD), where T1 = 60%, T2 = 80%, T3 = 100%, T4 = 120%, and T5 = 140% of ASMD. Analysis of variance has shown that yield and water use efficiency of sorghum crop was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by irrigation scheduling. As observed in this study, the most economically attractive and environmentally accepted for small scale farmers with tolerable cost of production and higher net benefit was obtained by application of T3 (100% ASMD) under conventional furrow irrigation system. Therefore, for this particular sorghum crop (teshale variety), it could be concluded that increased water saving and water productivity through irrigation at 100% ASMD under conventional furrow irrigation system can solve the problem of water shortage and would ensure the opportunity of further irrigation development in the study area and similar agro-ecology. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 11(2): 95-102, Dec 2021

The Design and Performance Evaluation of a Wireless Sensor Network Based Irrigation System on Different Soil Types

In the Nigerian economy, agriculture plays a very important role, and most of its people depend on it for their livelihood. Agricultural practices in the country are still mainly based on conventional, traditional methods of farming which usually results in wastage of water resources and low production of crops to meet the country's demand. There is a need to transform farming from the traditional way to a more efficient method with optimum water utilization. Irrigation is an assistive measure to salvage the problem of inadequate water for dry season farming. Irrigation consumes a lot of water, time and must be done on a timely basis. The automated irrigation system helps to curb the problem of overwatering and under watering of the land. This research proposed an Arduino-based smart irrigation system using a wireless sensor network to overcome the problem of overwatering, underwatering, and efficient time utilization in farming. The system is implemented using Arduino IDE, Proteus Simulation Tools, and Blynk Platform. The effect of the four-mobile network: MTN, GLO, Airtel and 9mobile on response time for Gidan- Kwano area was evaluated. Testing carried out on the system resulted in a response time of 0.75 seconds for Glo 2G network and 0.45 seconds for Glo 4G network. Less than 1sec in the worst-case scenario. This makes the system effective in terms of time response, thereby eradicate the waste of time that manual system operation poised to irrigation scheduling. Also, the appropriate soil moisture content is maintained, whether it rains or not. This reduces excesses and ensures healthy plant growth, increasing agricultural productivity, and cultivating crops are made possible throughout the year. The system also will help in driving agricultural innovation through the use of IoT.

Identification of the most appropriate adaptation for rice and wheat in the face of climate change in eastern India

The changing climate affects natural resources that impart a negative impact on crop yield and food security. It is thus imperative to identify agro-climate wise, area-specific adaptation options to ensure food security. This study, therefore, evaluated some feasible adaptation options for two staple food grain crops, rice and wheat, in different agro-climatic regions (ACRs) of Eastern India. Alteration in transplanting date, seedling age, and fertilizer management (rate and split of fertilizer) for rice; and sowing date, fertilizer management, and deficit irrigation scheduling for wheat, are assessed as adaptation options. Crop environment and resource synthesis (DSSAT) model is used to simulate the crop yield using different plausible adaptation options to projected climate scenarios. Findings show that shifting transplanting/sowing date, and nitrogen fertilizer application at 120% of recommended nitrogen dose with four splits could be an effective adaptation for rice and wheat crops. Results also emphasize that transplanting of 18 days older seedlings may be beneficial in rice cultivation. In contrast, irrigation at a 30–40% deficit of maximum available water would sustain the wheat yield under climate change conditions. This study suggests the best combination of adaptation options under climate change conditions in diverse ACRs, which may assist agriculturists in coping with climate change.

The Sustainability of Irrigation Strategies in Traditional Olive Orchards

Olive trees are one of the few alternative crops available for farmers in arid environments. In many of these regions, surface irrigation is increasing. The aim of this study was to estimate the pattern of water soil reserves through the season considering different climatic scenarios, limitations in irrigation scheduling, and irrigation systems. Modeling was performed with the most common type of soil, and a tree density of 10 × 10 m was used. Three different climatic scenarios were estimated using eighteen agroclimatic stations along the zone (Jaén, Spain). In these climatic scenarios, different irrigation strategies were considered. First, the percentages of maximum flow available (100%, 50%, and 33%) were used. In each of these flows, the days available for irrigation were considered: daily irrigation (IDD), 20 days per month (ID20), and no irrigation, during August (RDI). The results suggest that a 33% flow strategy, the most common in the surveyed area, would produce the greatest water-stress period in the most sensitive phenological stage. However, 100%, in all scenarios, and 50% (only IDD and RDI) would obtain the best water status. According to the estimated water applied, 50% was the most advisable strategy. However, in a minimum rainfall scenario, water needs could be excessive.