COTTON CROP RESPONSE TO SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEM IN EGYPTIAN OLD LAND

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Agricultural Engineering Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Sprinkler irrigation is a relatively new method in Egypt mainly used in the newly reclaimed desert areas, while surface irrigation sys­tems are dominent in old heavy texture soil areas. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the possibility of using sprinkler irri­gation system in cotton crop production in the old valley by studying its effect in minimizing water losses and increasing cotton yield. Measured performance parameters and water utilization efficiencies were also studied for both sprinkler and surface irrigation systems. Results indicate that sprinkler irrigation system saved 17.81% of water applied and in­creased the yield by 22.6% compared to surface irrigation. The water utilization efficiency increased by 51.2% in sprinkler system compared to surface irrigation system.