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1 Haileselassie, H.; Araya, A.; Habtu, S.; Meles, K. G.; Gebru, G.; Kisekka, I.; Girma, A.; Hadgu, K. M.; Foster, A. J. 2016. Exploring optimal farm resources management strategy for Quncho-teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) using AquaCrop model. Agricultural Water Management, 178:148-158. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2016.09.002]
Crop management ; Eragrostis tef ; Irrigation water ; Water productivity ; Models ; Farm management ; Strategies ; Crop yield ; Fertilizer application ; Sowing date ; Soil water characteristics ; Chemicophysical properties ; Rain ; Biomass ; Canopy ; Experimentation / Ethiopia / Mekelle
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047852)
(1.52 MB)
Teff is a major staple food crop in Ethiopia. Moisture and soil fertility are the two major factors limiting teff yield. Studies were conducted across three sites in Ethiopa [Mekelle (MK) in 2012 and 2016, Ilala (IL) in 2012 and Debrezeit (DZ) in 2009 and 2010]. The objectives of these studies were (1) to assess the response of Quncho-teff to different fertilizer and irrigation levels; 2) to quantify irrigation water productivity (IWP), and (3) to collect data to calibrate and validate AquaCrop model for simulating yield and evaluate optimal irrigation and sowing date strategy for Quncho-teff at different locations in Ethiopia. The different fertilizer levels were: 1) 64 kg N and 46 kg P/ha (N2P2); 2); 32 kg N and 23 kg P/ha (N1P1); 3) 0 kg N and 0 kg P/ha (N0P0) and 4) 52 kg N and 46 kg P/ha (N3P3). The four irrigation treatments were: zero (rainfed), two, four and full irrigation applications. Findings showed that full irrigation in combination with high fertilizer (N2P2) could give better yield. However, during abnormal rainfall, spreading the available fertilizer at a rate of 32 kg N and 23 kg P/ha may be preferable to applying 64 kg N and 46 kg P/ha. This study also indicated that the regional fertilizer recommendations for teff need to be revised taking in to account the soil characteristics, climate and irrigation water availability. The AquaCrop model was able to simulate the observed canopy cover, soil water, biomass and yield of teff satisfactorily. Canopy cover was simulated with normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), index of agreement (I) and R2 of 7%, 0.5 and 0.8, respectively. Soil moisture during the season was simulated with NRMSE of 11.4–15.7%, I of 0.99 and R2 of 0.85–0.9. Simulated final aboveground biomass values were in close agreement with the measured (NRMSE, 7.8%, I, 0.89 and R2, 0.66). There was also good agreement between simulated and measured grain yield with NRMSE, I and R2 values of 10.9%, 0.93, 0.80, respectively. Scenario analysis indicated that early sowing was the best option to maximize teff yield with the least amount of irrigation. Scenario analysis also showed that one irrigation during flowering stage could substantially improve irrigation water productivity (IWP) of teff and minimize the yield loses which could occur due to shifting of sowing date from early to normal. Two irrigation applications also substantially improved the yield and IWP of late sown teff. However, to get high yield, a late sown teff should receive at least four irrigation applications during the mid-growth stage of the crop. These results suggest that AquaCrop model can be used to identify optimal farm resource management strategies for teff production.
2 Habtu, S.; Erkossa, Teklu; Froebrich, J.; Tquabo, F.; Fissehaye, D.; Kidanemariam, T.; Xueliang, Cai. 2020. Integrating participatory data acquisition and modelling of irrigation strategies to enhance water productivity in a small-scale irrigation scheme in Tigray, Ethiopia. Irrigation and Drainage, 69(S1):23-37. (Special issue: Innovations in Irrigation Systems in Africa) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/ird.2235]
Irrigation schemes ; Small scale systems ; Water productivity ; Water balance ; Water conservation ; Water use ; Crop yield ; Participatory approaches ; Models ; Farmers ; Maize ; Barley ; Social aspects ; Data management ; Monitoring ; Biomass / Ethiopia / Tigray
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048614)
(0.93 MB) (952 KB)
Application of participatory modelling to water-saving strategies in smallholder farming is rare. Farmer-preferred and efficient strategies were identified through participatory modelling. The farmers' basin irrigation and scheduling (I), farmers' scheduling with furrow strategy (II), farmers' scheduling with alternate furrow strategy (III) and scheduling at 55% maximum allowable depletion (MAD) (IV) were evaluated for maize (Zea mais) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) using the FAO AquaCrop model. The results showed that I resulted in over-irrigation for maize and under-irrigation for barley, while IV resulted in maximum yield (8.6 t ha-1 for maize and 2 t ha-1 for barley) with maximum (1.8 kg m-3) and minimum (0.8 kg m-3) water productivity of maize under IV and I, respectively. A shift from I to IV (most preferred strategy by farmers) can save 8440 mm of water, which can possibly bring back 18.5 ha of land into irrigation. It is essential to interact with farmers on a basis of mutual comprehension to increase their trust and to lay a base for discussion, awareness raising and decision making. The transdisciplinary approach, Community of Practice (CoP) and Learning Practice Alliance (LPA) were appropriate platforms for participation. The increased crop yield and water productivity may contribute to ecological and economical sustainability and social equity.
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