Your search found 50 records
1 Nangia, Vinay; Gowda, P. H.; Mulla, D. J.; Sands, G. R. 2008. Water quality modeling of fertilizer management impacts on nitrate losses in tile drains at the field scale. Journal of Environmental Quality, 37(2):296-307.
Water quality ; Simulation models ; Calibration ; Fertilizer application ; Nitrogen fertilizers ; Soyabeans ; Maize ; Subsurface drainage / USA / Gulf of Mexico / Mississippi River / Minnesota
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI 631.8 G430 NAN Record No: H040829)
Nitrate losses from subsurface tile drained row cropland in the Upper Midwest U.S. contribute to hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. Strategies are needed to reduce nitrate losses to the Mississippi River. This paper evaluates the effect of fertilizer rate and timing on nitrate losses in two (East and West) commercial row crop fields located in south-central Minnesota. The Agricultural Drainage and Pesticide Transport (ADAPT) model was calibrated and validated for monthly subsurface tile drain flow and nitrate losses for a period of 1999–2003. Good agreement was found between observed and predicted tile drain flow and nitrate losses during the calibration period, with Nash-Sutcliff e modeling efficiencies of 0.75 and 0.56, respectively. Better agreements were observed for the validation period. The calibrated model was then used to evaluate the effects of rate and timing of fertilizer application on nitrate losses with a 50-yr climatic record (1954–2003). Significant reductions in nitrate losses were predicted by reducing fertilizer application rates and changing timing. A 13% reduction in nitrate losses was predicted when fall fertilizer application rate was reduced from 180 to 123 kg/ha. A further 9% reduction in nitrate losses can be achieved when switching from fall to spring application. Larger reductions in nitrate losses would require changes in fertilizer rate and timing, as well as other practices such as changing tile drain spacings and/or depths, fall cover cropping, or conversion of crop land to pasture.
2 Kumar, M. Dinesh; Singh, O. P.; Samad, Madar; Purohit, Chaitali; Didyala, Malkit Singh. 2009. Water productivity of irrigated agriculture in India: potential areas for improvement. In Amarasinghe, Upali A.; Shah, Tushaar; Malik, R. P. S. (Eds.). Strategic Analyses of the National River Linking Project (NRLP) of India, Series 1: India’s water future: scenarios and issues. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI) pp.227-251.
Water productivity ; Estimation ; Crop production ; Irrigated farming ; Fertilizer application ; Water allocation ; Water delivery ; Water control ; River basins / India / Narmada / Indus / Ganges / Sabarmati
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI 333.9162 G635 AMA Record No: H042042)
(197.60 KB)
3 Qadir, Manzoor; Noble, Andrew; Qureshi, Asad Sarwar; Gupta, R. K.; Yuldashev, T.; Karimov, Akmal. 2009. Salt-induced land and water degradation in the Aral Sea basin: a challenge to sustainable agriculture in Central Asia. Natural Resources Forum, 33:134-149.
Water resources ; River basins ; Groundwater ; Soil salinity ; Soil degradation ; Soil improvement ; Soil reclamation ; Fertilizer application ; Waterlogging ; Water quality ; Saline water ; Irrigation water ; Subsurface drainage ; Trees ; Evapotranspiration ; Pumps ; Land degradation ; Farming systems ; Rice / Central Asia / Kyrgyzstan / Tajikistan / Kazakhstan / Turkmenistan / Uzbekistan / Aral Sea / Amu-Darya Basin / Syr-Darya Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H042212)
(0.49 MB)
Expansion of irrigated agriculture in the Aral Sea Basin in the second half of the twentieth century led to the conversion of vast tracks of virgin land into productive agricultural systems resulting in significant increases in employment opportunities and income generation. The positive effects of the development of irrigated agriculture were replete with serious environmental implications. Excessive use of irrigation water coupled with inadequate drainage systems has caused largescale land degradation and water quality deterioration in downstream parts of the basin, which is fed by two main rivers, the Amu-Darya and Syr-Darya. Recent estimates suggest that more than 50% of irrigated soils are salt-affected and/or waterlogged in Central Asia. Considering the availability of natural and human resources in the Aral Sea Basin as well as the recent research addressing soil and water management, there is cause for cautious optimism. Research-based interventions that have shown significant promise in addressing this impasse include: (1) rehabilitation of abandoned salt-affected lands through halophytic plant species; (2) introduction of 35-day-old early maturing rice varieties to withstand ambient soil and irrigation water salinity; (3) productivity enhancement of high-magnesium soils and water resources through calcium-based soil amendments; (4) use of certain tree species as biological pumps to lower elevated groundwater levels in waterlogged areas; (5) optimal use of fertilizers, particularly those supplying nitrogen, to mitigate the adverse effects of soil and irrigation water salinity; (6) mulching of furrows under saline conditions to reduce evaporation and salinity buildup in the root zone; and (7) establishment of multipurpose tree and shrub species for biomass and renewable energy production. Because of water withdrawals for agriculture from two main transboundary rivers in the Aral Sea Basin, there would be a need for policy level interventions conducive for enhancing interstate cooperation to transform salt-affected soil and saline water resources from an environmental and productivity constraint into an economic asset.
4 Weligamage, Parakrama; Shumway, C. R.; Blatner, K. A.; Butcher, W. R.; Giordano, Mark. 2009. Production function for rice in Kirindi Oya major irrigation system in Sri Lanka. [Abstract only]. In Abeyratne, F.; Ariyawardana, A. (Eds.). Third Annual Research Forum of the Sri Lanka Agricultural Economics Association (SAEA), held at the Hector Kobbakaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka, 2 October 2009. Colombo, Sri Lanka: Hector Kobbakaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI) pp.1.
Irrigation systems ; Rice ; Fertilizer application ; Farm income / Sri Lanka / Kirindi Oya Irrigation and Settlement Project
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H042412)
(0.07 MB)
5 Amarasekara, M. G. T. S.; Kumarihamy, R. M. K.; Dayawansa, N. D. K.; De Silva, R. P. 2010. The impact of inappropriate soil management on river water quality: a case study in the Kurundu Oya Sub-catchment of the Upper Mahaweli Catchment, Sri Lanka. In Evans, Alexandra; Jinapala, K. (Eds). Proceedings of the National Conference on Water, Food Security and Climate Change in Sri Lanka, BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 9-11 June 2009. Vol. 2. Water quality, environment and climate change. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). pp.49-60.
Soil management ; Soil degradation ; Catchment areas ; Erosion ; Sedimentation ; Water pollution ; Fertilizer application ; Nitrogen ; Vegetable growing / Sri Lanka / Upper Mahaweli Catchment Area / Kurundu Oya Sub-Catchment / Batagolla / Kumbalgamuwa / Mahakudugala
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI 631.7 G744 EVA Record No: H042858)
The results of many studies have revealed that intensive farming on steep slopes, coupled with over application of fertilizers and accumulation of nutrients in downstream water bodies due to soil erosion, have contributed to environmental hazards in the Upper Mahaweli Catchment Area (UMCA) of Sri Lanka. The encroachment of riparian zones for exotic vegetable cultivation has aggravated this situation. In view of this, a study was conducted in the Kurundu Oya catchment, a micro-catchment of the UMCA, to investigate the soil management practices within the farming systems and their impacts on river water quality. Three villages were selected along the Kurundu Oya: Mahakudugala, Kumbalgamuwa and Batagolla. The study consisted of a survey of 150 households in 2007 and 2008, to gather information on the characteristics of householders and on soil management practices. A soil survey was carried out to analyze the soil fertility of farmlands. Water quality parameters were measured periodically in different sections of a selected stream. The results revealed that nearly 50 % of the riparian zones in the upper catchment of the Kurundu Oya stream are encroached to cultivate potato and other exotic vegetables. In addition, it was observed that over application of fertilizers on the vegetable plots was causing nutrient accumulation and the plots also recorded high levels of phosphorous (P) (above 75 ppm). Results of the water quality analysis showed that nitrate and available P levels were within the standard limits, but nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) levels were close to the upper level of the standard limit. Therefore, in order to minimize water pollution, it is strongly recommended that fertilizer application is based on soil tests. In addition, encroachment of sensitive lands has to be addressed. Priority should be given to strengthening institutional capacity in order to facilitate the implementation of existing environmental legislation.
6 Drechsel, Pay; Erni, M. 2010. Analysing the nexus of sanitation and agriculture at municipal scale. Urban Agriculture Magazine, 23:11-12.
Urban agriculture ; Solid wastes ; Composting ; Farmers attitudes ; Fertilizer application ; Wastewater irrigation ; Sanitation / Africa / Ghana / Kumasi
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H042960)
http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/Analysing%20the%20nexus%20of%20sanitation%20and%20agriculture%20at%20municipal%20scale.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H042960.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H042960.pdf
(0.08 MB) (84.95)
To better understand the linkage between sanitation and agriculture at municipal scale, a study was carried out that addressed the following research questions:- How does a larger investment in flush toilets affect water quality and urban farmers? - How much of the nutrient demand of urban farmers could be covered through waste composting?
7 Ensink, J. H. J.; van der Hoek, Wim; Simmons, Robert W. 2008. Livelihoods from wastewater: water reuse in Faisalabad, Pakistan. In Jimenez, B.; Asano, T. (Eds.). Water reuse: an international survey of current practice, issues and needs. London, UK: IWA Publishing. pp.387-400. (IWA Scientific and Technical Report 20)
Wastewater irrigation ; Health hazards ; Fertilizer application ; Soil properties / Pakistan / Faisalabad
(Location: IWMI HQ Record No: H043210)
8 Izumi, K.; Ranatunga, A. S. 1974. Cost of production of paddy: Maha 1972/73: a study based on farm record books maintained in five selected districts. Colombo, Sri Lanka: Agrarian Research and Training Institute (ARTI). 36p. (ARTI Research Study 12)
Rice ; Production costs ; Land tenure ; Yields ; Manpower ; Fertilizer application ; Farmers ; Growth period ; Case studies / Sri Lanka / Hambantota / Polonnaruwa / Elahera / Kurunegala / Kandy / Colombo
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 641.3318 G744 IZU Record No: H046346)
(0.06 MB)
9 Chilonda, Pius; Matchaya, Greenwell; Chiwaula, L.; Kambewa, P.; Musaba, Emmanuel; Manyamba, C. 2013. Agricultural growth trends and outlook for southern Africa: enhancing regional food security through increased agricultural productivity. Washington, DC, USA: International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI); Pretoria, South Africa: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 72p. (ReSAKSS-SA Annual Trends and Outlook Report 2011)
Agricultural development ; Agricultural production ; Cereals ; Fertilizer application ; Productivity ; Food security ; Hunger ; Poverty ; Indicators ; Labour productivity ; Land productivity ; Livestock production ; Investment ; Income ; Economic aspects / Southern Africa / SADC countries
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H046770)
http://www.resakss.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/ReSAKSS_SA_ATOR_2011.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H046770.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H046770.pdf
(2.54 MB) (2.54 MB)
10 Schmitter, Petra; Zwart, S. J.; Danvi, A.; Gbaguidi, F. 2015. Contributions of lateral flow and groundwater to the spatio-temporal variation of irrigated rice yields and water productivity in a West-African inland valley. Agricultural Water Management, 152:286-298. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2015.01.014]
Groundwater ; Water table ; Flow discharge ; Spatial distribution ; Irrigation ; Rice ; Water productivity ; Water resources ; Water management ; Water balance ; Inland waters ; Valleys ; Crop performance ; Fertilizer application ; Soil organic matter / West Africa
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046882)
Water management techniques to elevate rice yields and productive use of water resources in Africa, frequently lack a substantial spatial assessment as they are often based on plot level measurements without taking into account toposequential effects present in the landscape. These effects have been shown to significantly affect spatio-temporal variations in water availability and rice productivity in Asia. Therefore, this study addresses the spatio-temporal variations of the various water components within irrigated toposequences in an African inland valley and assesses its effect on water productivity and respective rice yields for two irrigation practices: (i) continuous flooding (CF), a well-known water management practice in rice cultivation used worldwide and (ii) a reduced irrigation scheme (RI) where irrigation is applied every 5 days resulting in a 1–2 cm water layer after irrigation. The lateral flow observed in the inland valley had a strong two-dimensional character, contributing to water gains between fields, located at the same toposequential level as well as along toposequences. The toposequential effect on sub-surface hydrological processes masked the overall effect of water management treatment on rice production. Additionally, the associated water productivity (WP) was not found to differ significantly between the treatments when standard calculations (i.e. net irrigation and evapotranspiration) were used but a clear toposequential effect was found for the fertilized lower lying fields when the net irrigation was corrected by the lateral flow component. Results of the established mixed regression model indicated that based on the groundwater table, rainfall and standard soil physico-chemical characteristics rice yields can be predicted in these African inland valleys under continuous flooding and reduced irrigation practices. Validation of the established regression function of inland valleys, representing various groundwater tables in the region, could lead to improved regression functions suitable to estimate spatial variation in rice production and water consumption across scales as affected by water management, fertilizer application and groundwater tables.
11 Saha, N. K.; Mondal, M. K.; Humphreys, E.; Bhattacharya, J.; Rashid, M. H.; Paul, P. C.; Ritu, S. P. 2015. Triple rice in a year: is it a feasible option for the low salinity areas of the coastal zone of Bangladesh? In Humphreys, E.; Tuong, T. P.; Buisson, Marie-Charlotte; Pukinskis, I.; Phillips, M. (Eds.). Proceedings of the CPWF, GBDC, WLE Conference on Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Science into Policy and Practices, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 21-23 October 2014. Colombo, Sri Lanka: CGIAR Challenge Program on Water and Food (CPWF). pp.421-435.
Cropping systems ; Sequential cropping ; Rice ; High yielding varieties ; Tillage ; Sowing date ; Crop yield ; Productivity ; Water management ; Salinity ; Fertilizer application ; Pest control ; Weed control ; Disease control ; Coastal area / Bangladesh / Patuakhali
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H047209)
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstream/handle/10568/66389/Revitalizing%20the%20Ganges%20Coastal%20Zone%20Book_Low%20Version.pdf?sequence=1
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H047209.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H047209.pdf
(0.30 MB) (11.9 MB)
12 Mondal, M. K.; Paul, P. L. C.; Humphreys, E.; Tuong, T. P.; Ritu, S. P.; Rashid, M. A. 2015. Opportunities for cropping system intensification in the coastal zone of Bangladesh. In Humphreys, E.; Tuong, T. P.; Buisson, Marie-Charlotte; Pukinskis, I.; Phillips, M. (Eds.). Proceedings of the CPWF, GBDC, WLE Conference on Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Science into Policy and Practices, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 21-23 October 2014. Colombo, Sri Lanka: CGIAR Challenge Program on Water and Food (CPWF). pp.449-476.
Cropping systems ; Crop management ; Seasonal cropping ; Intensification ; Coastal area ; High yielding varieties ; Crop yield ; Rice ; Sowing date ; Fertilizer application ; Harvesting ; Farmers ; Water levels ; Drainage ; Rain ; Salinity ; Temperature / Bangladesh / Khulna / Barguna / Barisal / Amtali / Batiaghata / Bazarkhali / Hatbati / Kismat Fultola
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H047210)
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstream/handle/10568/66389/Revitalizing%20the%20Ganges%20Coastal%20Zone%20Book_Low%20Version.pdf?sequence=1
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H047210.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H047210.pdf
(0.73 MB) (11.9 MB)
13 Bekchanov, Maksud; Ringler, C.; Mueller, M. 2015. Ecosystem services in the water-energy-food nexus. Change and Adaptation in Socio-Ecological Systems, 2(1):103-105.
Ecosystem services ; Water use efficiency ; Water availability ; Fertilizer application ; Participatory approaches ; Food demand ; Economic development ; Rural areas ; Stakeholders
(Location: IWMI Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047358)
http://www.degruyter.com/dg/viewarticle.fullcontentlink:pdfeventlink/$002fj$002fcass.2015.2.issue-1$002fcass-2015-0016$002fcass-2015-0016.pdf?format=INT&t:ac=j$002fcass.2015.2.issue-1$002fcass-2015-0016$002fcass-2015-0016.xml
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H047358.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H047358.pdf
(0.08 MB) (81.48 KB)
Given their substantial societal benefits, such as supporting economic activities and providing better livelihoods in rural areas, ecosystem services should gain higher importance in water-food-energy nexus debates. Yet, not all values from ecosystems are quantifiable, data is often not adequate and methods of measuring these values are not sound. This situation challenges researchers and water managers to improve research tools and give adequate attention to ecosystem services by implementing interdisciplinary approaches and integrated management of ecosystems and their services.
14 Minhas, P. S.; Khajanchi -Lal; Yadav, R. K.; Dubey, S. K.; Chaturvedi, R. K. 2015. Long term impact of waste water irrigation and nutrient rates: I. performance, sustainability and produce quality of peri urban cropping systems. Agricultural Water Management, 156:100-109. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2015.03.012]
Wastewater irrigation ; Groundwater irrigation ; Nutrients ; Peri-urban agriculture ; Cropping systems ; Agroforestry systems ; Soils ; Fertilizer application ; Agricultural production ; Product quality ; Crop yield ; Sustainability ; Farmers / India / Karnal
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047503)
(0.90 MB)
Farmers in peri-urban areas of developing countries depend on wastewaters for their livelihood but with grave health and environmental risks. An 8-year field experiment compared food grain (FGPS), agroforestry (AFS), fodder (FPS) and vegetable (VPS) production systems and quantified responses to fertilizers (NP 25–100%) when irrigated with sewage (SW; EC 1.3 ± 0.3 dS m-1 BOD 82 ± 11, NO3–N 3.2 ± 0.4, NH4–N 9.6 ± 0.5, P 1.8 ± 0.3, K 6.4 ± 0.4 mg L-1) vis-à-vis groundwater (GW). Productivity improved with SW by 14–28% while trends were negative with sub-optimal NP under GW. Partial factor productivity (PFP) averaged 18.0, 11.1, 157 and 149 kg kg-1 NP with GW in FGPS, AFS, FPS and VPS, respectively. Counter figures were 13.8, 8.8, 96 and 56 kg kg-1 NP with SW. Paddy-wheat equivalent yields were 5.5, 1.8 and 19.9 fold under AFS, FPS and VPS with SW. About 40, 33, 75 and 20% of fertilizer NP with SW was sufficient for similar production as with recommended NP and GW in FGPS, AFS, FPS and VPS, respectively. Quality of produce improved in terms of crude protein and the micronutrients in edible parts with SW while toxic metals were within the permissible limits. However, the keeping quality of vegetables was lowered due to faster decay with pathogens contamination (Aerobic bacterial plate counts 5 × 105–4.2 × 108 cfu g-1 and Escherichia coli <2 × 102–7 × 105). Thus, the sewage proved as a vital resource in improving productivity, sustainability and saving fertiliser costs but this may pose health risks because of pathogenic infestation that need to be regulated.
15 Khajanchi -Lal; Minhas, P. S.; Yadav, R. K. 2015. Long-term impact of wastewater irrigation and nutrient rates II. Nutrient balance, nitrate leaching and soil properties under peri-urban cropping systems. Agricultural Water Management, 156:110-117. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2015.04.001]
Wastewater irrigation ; Groundwater irrigation ; Water quality ; Peri-urban agriculture ; Cropping systems ; Soil properties ; Nutrient balance ; Nitrogen ; Nitrates ; Leaching ; Fertilizer application / India / Karnal
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047510)
(0.82 MB)
Since irrigation with under-treated wastewater is growing in many underdeveloped countries, its regulation should follow more efficient and less polluting approach. Therefore, the nutrient balances and soil properties were monitored in an 8-year experiment where the food grain (FGPS, paddy–wheat), fodder (FPS, sorghum-Egyptian clover) and vegetable (VPS, gourds/okra-cabbage/cauliflower) and agroforestry (AFS, poplar–paddy–wheat) production systems were irrigated either with sewage water (SW, BOD 82 ± 11, NO3–N 3.2 ± 0.4, NH4–N 9.6 ± 0.5 and P 1.8 ± 0.3 mg L-1) or good quality groundwater (GW) along with variable doses of N & P (25–100% of the recommended). The concentration and uptake of both N and P increased with SW and NP doses. SW enhanced N uptake by 29, 23, 18 and 37% in FGPS, AFS, FPS and VPS, respectively, while the corresponding values were 28, 21, 29 and 35 per cent for P uptake. The crop N removal obtained at 100% NP dose in GW were at par with 25% NP doses in AGF and VPS and 50% NP doses in FGPS and FPS with SW. The positive balances of nutrients with SW resulted in improvement in soil organic carbon and available status of nitrogen and phosphorus. Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and activities of dehydrogenase, urease and phosphatase also improved substantially with SW. The most of nitrate-N was retained in the surface 0.3 m soil especially its leaching was minimal under AFS. Overall results indicated for improvement in the awareness of the growers for adjusting NP doses and non-dependent on water guzzling crops like paddy to minimise the fertiliser costs and the contamination of groundwater.
16 Htwe, C. M.; Ngwe, K.; Win, K. K.; Mar, S. S. 2016. Estimating soil nutrient supplying capacity for rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. In Kywe, M.; Ngwe, K.; Oo, A. N. (Eds.). Proceedings of the Ninth Agricultural Research Conference, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 12-13 January 2016. Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar: Yezin Agricultural University. pp.158-176.
Irrigated rice ; Soil fertility ; Fertilizer application ; NPK fertilizers ; Site specific nutrient management ; Nutrient uptake ; Agricultural production ; Seasonal cropping ; Crop yield ; High yielding varieties ; Hybrids ; Indigenous knowledge / Myanmar
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047578)
(1.79 MB)
Soil nutrient supply capacity, nutrient use efficiency and fertilizer requirement for the consecutive rice cropping in irrigated system were investigated using a randomized complete block design with different fertilization treatments, including control (no fertilizer application), PK, NK, NP and NPK fertilization with four replications at Myanmar Rice Research Center (MRRC). Short duration rice varieties, Pale Thwe-1 (hybrid) and Yadanar Toc (HYV) were used to determine the soil indigenous nutrient supply capacity, to evaluate the omission plots for estimating fertilizer use efficiencies and to estimate the indigenous nutrients (N, P and K) as an requirement for working out a site specific fertilizer recommendation. The results of five treatments in four seasons indicated that the indigenous nutrient supply capacity of N, P and K (INS, IPS and IKS) ranged from (30.1 to 87.7) kg N ha-1, (8.9 to 53.7) kg P ha-1 and (43.7 to 165.3) kg K ha-1 . The nutrient use efficiencies (NUE, PUE and KUE) ranged between (2.1 to 27.8 kg kg-1 N applied), (12.8 to 63.5 kg kg-1 P applied) and (4.5 to 28.3 kg kg-1 K applied) in two rice varieties. It was also observed that rice crop could use nutrient more efficiently in dry season than in wet season. The four season's rice-rice monoculture also showed that balanced application of N, P and K promoted not only grain yield but also nutrient uptake. The yield increases of Pale Thwe-1 and Yadanar Toe over control treatment were 86, 52 % in NPK, 55, 44 % in NK and 65, and 37 % in NP a treatments, respectively. Nitrogen was the first nutrient limiting factor for yield, followed by P and then K. The greater N fertilizer requirement of Pale Thwe-1 variety was based on the greater yield target. The average amount of four season's fertilizer requirements were 160 kg N ha-1, 45 kg P ha-1 and 75 (kg K ha-1 for hybrid. Fertilizers were applied at a rate of 100 kg N ha-1, 30 kg P ha-1 and 70 kg K ha-1 for HYV. The importance of balanced fertilization in maintaining soil fertility for sustainable yield production is highly evident. The present study was conducted for only four consecutive rice cropping seasons at MRRC and the work needs further investigation.
17 Tesema, M.; Schmitter, Petra; Nakawuka, Prossie; Tilahun, S. A.; Steenhuis, T.; Langan, Simon. 2016. Evaluating irrigation technologies to improve crop and water productivity of onion in Dangishta watershed during the dry monsoon phase. Paper presented at the International Conference of the Advancement of Science and Technology, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 17-18 July 2016. 10p.
Crop production ; Crop management ; Water productivity ; Water use efficiency ; Water conservation ; Water management ; Onions ; Monsoon climate ; Dry season ; Watershed services ; Wet cultivation ; Soil moisture ; Soil water balance ; Rhizosphere ; Rain ; Agriculture ; Fertilizer application / Ethiopia / Dangishta Watershed
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047635)
(611 KB)
18 Pande, S.; Savenije, H. H. G. 2016. A sociohydrological model for smallholder farmers in Maharashtra, India. Water Resources Research, 52(3):1923-1947. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/2015WR017841]
Smallholders ; Farmers ; Social aspects ; Hydrology ; Models ; Water storage ; Capital allocation ; Income ; Living standards ; Labour costs ; Remuneration ; Expenditure ; Agricultural prices ; Cotton ; Sugarcane ; Soil fertility ; Fertilizer application ; Irrigation ; Livestock production ; Grasslands ; Fodder / India / Maharashtra / Marathwada
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047760)
(1.81 MB)
We present a sociohydrological model that can help us to better understand the system dynamics of a smallholder farmer. It couples the dynamics of the six main assets of a typical smallholder farmer: water storage capacity, capital, livestock, soil fertility, grazing access, and labor. The hydroclimatic variability, which is a main driver and source of uncertainty of the smallholder system, is accounted for at subannual scale. The model incorporates rule-based adaptation mechanisms of smallholders (for example, adjusting expenditures on food and fertilizers and selling livestocks) when farmers face adverse sociohydrological conditions, such as low annual rainfall, occurrence of dry spells, or variability of input or commodity prices. We have applied the model to analyze the sociohydrology of a cash crop producing smallholder in Maharashtra, India, in a semisynthetic case study setting. Of late, this region has witnessed many suicides of farmers who could not extricate themselves out of the debt trap. These farmers lacked irrigation and were susceptible to fluctuating commodity prices and climatic variability. We studied the sensitivity of a smallholder’s capital, an indicator of smallholder well-being, to two types of cash crops (cotton and sugarcane), water storage capacity, availability of irrigation, initial capital that a smallholder starts with, prevalent wage rates, and access to grazing. We found that (i) smallholders with low water storage capacities and no irrigation are most susceptible to distress, (ii) a smallholder’s well-being is low at low wage rates, (iii) wage rate is more important than absolution of debt, (iv) well-being is sensitive to water storage capacity up to a certain level, and (v) well-being increases with increasing area available for livestock grazing. Our results indicate that government intervention to absolve the debt of farmers or to invest in local storage to buffer rainfall variability may not be enough. In addition, alternative sources of income may need to be provided, for instance by ensuring minimum wages or by providing more access to grazing areas.
19 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.
20 Negussie, A.; Achten, W. M. J.; Norgrove, L.; Mekuria, Wolde; Hadgu, K. M.; De Both, G.; Leroy, B.; Hermy, M.; Muys, B. 2016. Initial effects of fertilization and canopy management on flowering and seed and oil yields of Jatropha curcas L. in Malawi. BioEnergy Research, 9:1231-1240. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-016-9767-6]
Fertilizer application ; Fertilization ; Nitrogen fertilizers ; Inorganic fertilizers ; Canopy ; Flowering ; Seed production ; Oilseeds ; Jatropha curcas ; Biofuels ; Bioenergy ; Agronomy ; Agronomic practices ; Pruning implements ; Planting ; Spacing ; Soil sampling / Malawi
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047879)
Appropriate canopy management, including planting density and pruning, and application of fertilizer may increase flowering success and seed and oil yields of Jatropha curcasL.Twofieldexperimentswereperformedfrom2009to 2011 in Balaka, Malawi, to assess the effect of planting density and pruning regime and single fertilizer application (N, P, and K) on male and female flower number and seed and oil yields of J. curcas. Planting density influenced flower sex ratio and female flower number. Branch pruning treatments did not influence the flower sex ratio but reduced seed and final oil yield by 55 % in the following year. It is claimed that J.curcas can be grown on soils with low nutrient content, but this study revealed that yield was low for non-fertilized trees. WeobservedhigherseedandoilyieldsathigherNapplication rates(upto203±42%seedand204±45%oilyieldincrease) compared with the non-fertilized control. The study suggests thatcurrentlyusedheavypruningpracticeisnotrecommended for J.curcas cultivation, although it needs further longer term investigation. Applying nitrogen fertilizer is effective in increasing yield.
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