Research Article
Determination of Optimum Irrigation Scheduling and Water Productivity for Onion Production in Mandura District, North-West Ethiopia
Demeke Tamene Mitku*
,
Temesgen Fentahun Adamite
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
59-67
Received:
1 March 2025
Accepted:
22 March 2025
Published:
14 April 2025
Abstract: Knowing how much water a plant has access to and how effectively it can use it is crucial for irrigation scheduling in order to prevent overwatering or under watering. To assess how onions responded to the irrigation schedule, a field experiment was carried out. (When and how much) and to identify water productivity under optimal irrigation regime. The recommended levels of soil moisture depletion for onions served as the basis for setting the treatments. Then, in order to assess the best irrigation timing, there are five degrees of available soil moisture depletion namely, 60% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level, 80% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level, 100% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level, 120% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level and 140% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level of the FAO recommended value of onion were used. Three replications of the experiment were set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design. The highest total bulb yield obtained at 60% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level that was 211.65 q/ha followed by 80%, 100% and 120% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level with the values of 210.85q/ha, 191.89q/ha and 188.18q/ha respectively without any significant difference. The highest irrigation water productivity of onion to convert irrigation water to bulb yield were obtained under 60% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level which had 3.87kg/m3/ha followed by 80%, 100% and 120% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level with the values of 3.77, 3.63 and 3.37 kg/m3/ha respectively without any significant difference. Therefore, according to the current findings, the highest bulb production and irrigation water productivity are obtained when irrigation scheduling is applied for onions in the research and related agroclimatic areas and soil types at 60% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level.
Abstract: Knowing how much water a plant has access to and how effectively it can use it is crucial for irrigation scheduling in order to prevent overwatering or under watering. To assess how onions responded to the irrigation schedule, a field experiment was carried out. (When and how much) and to identify water productivity under optimal irrigation regime....
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Research Article
Characterization, Classification and Mapping of Soil Salinity Status at Small Scale Irrigation Farm of Kedale, Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Fenan Tola*,
Isihak Lolo,
Feyissa Gurmu
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
68-79
Received:
17 March 2025
Accepted:
7 April 2025
Published:
28 April 2025
Abstract: Soil salinity is a significant challenge to crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Effective mitigation requires a thorough understanding of soil chemical composition and water quality before implementing sustainable irrigation projects. This study aimed to characterize, classify, and map soil salinity and sodicity in the small-scale Kedale irrigation area of Yabello district. A total of 42 composite soil samples were collected from irrigated farm plots at four depths (0-30 cm, 30-60 cm, 60-90 cm, and 90-120 cm) and analyzed for soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, Na, K), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Soil salinity and sodicity were mapped using ArcGIS 10.8 with Kriging interpolation. Additionally, irrigation water samples were analyzed for ECe, pH, ESP, and SAR to assess water quality. The results showed that soil texture varied from sandy loam at shallow depths to sandy clay at deeper layers. The soil's average ESP, EC, and pH were 16.41%, 3.99 mmhos/cm, and 8.62, respectively, indicating that it is sodic according to FAO classification. Irrigation water analysis further revealed a slightly sodic nature. To ensure sustainable agricultural productivity in the Kedale irrigation scheme, immediate soil salinity management is recommended. Key interventions include gypsum application, organic amendments such as compost, the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops, the adoption of environmentally friendly irrigation practices, and farmer education on effective land and water management strategies.
Abstract: Soil salinity is a significant challenge to crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Effective mitigation requires a thorough understanding of soil chemical composition and water quality before implementing sustainable irrigation projects. This study aimed to characterize, classify, and map soil salinity and sodicity in the sm...
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