Effects of improved field practice on crop yield, water use and profitability of irrigation in Central Chile
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Tóm tắt
The economic impact of improved irrigation practice was studied for a number of years in a research project carried out in Central Chile on commercial fields of eleven orchard, field, vegetable and forage crops. The cost of implementing improved irrigation practice specific to a given soil-climate and crop combination, and the benefits obtained through that technology were evaluated with respect to yield increases and savings in water and crop production costs. Semi-permanent irrigation plots were established in different locations in the Central Zone of Chile (Fig. 1). At each site, the field crops were grown in crop rotations for a number of years. Several methods of irrigation were tested, using different frequencies and depths of water application. Crop yields on plots with improved irrigation practice averaged 25% more than on plots on which irrigation was applied, according to traditional farmer practice. A significant increase in consumptive water use by the crop was found with improved irrigation practice, but the total water applied during the growing season was about half of the volume applied in traditional irrigation practice. The results suggest that in developing countries with a comparatively extensive irrigation tradition, little sophistication is needed to improve irrigation practice and obtain a significant economic impact on crop production.
Tài liệu tham khảo
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