Promising water-saving techniques (WST) for irrigated lowland rice
2004
de Dios, J.L. | Espiritu, A.J.,Philippine Rice Research Inst., Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, 3119 Nueva Ecija (Philippines) | Lactaoen, A.T. | Norte, T.M. | Vicmudo, V.R. | Corpuz, A.A.
Water is the most important input in lowland rice production but not given enough attention on its economical use. Farmers rarely have an idea on the amount of water they use especially in areas with gravity type of irrigation. In pump irrigated areas, most farmers are aware on the fuel consumption for irrigation. For both situations, farmers usually use more water than what is economical. Facing the growing scarcity and competition for water among domestic, industrial and agriculture users, the need for water-saving technology becomes a must. WST during the crop-growing period were refined to be more site-specific, doable and practical technique. Trials on WST conducted in different farms showed reduced water-use of around 26 to 33 percent without reducing yield. Hence, increasing water productivity. Differences among varieties topographical locations, soil textures, and irrigation types were also observed. These WSTs were the application of around 5 cm pond-water after 5 to 7 days of no pond-water in the paddy (flooding and drying) and application of minimal pond-water depth every irrigation time (shallow irrigation). The former can be easily used under heavy soils or under gravity irrigation while the later for lighter soils or pump irrigation systems. Both showed wider adaptability and greater practicability. Their N-fertilizer efficiencies based on soil N dynamic analysis and 15N labeling techniques were comparable with continuous flooding. The possible impacts under the pump irrigation systems are direct and immediate benefits to farmers in terms of input reduction (oil, fuel, effective life span of pumps) and additional area that can be irrigated given the same amount of water from the source, while in gravity irrigation systems as additional area and reduction of irrigation time.
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