Water Use Efficiency through On-Farm Water Management Techniques
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The document discusses water use efficiency techniques promoted by the National Irrigation Commission (NIC) in Jamaica. It summarizes three key techniques: furrow, sprinkler, and drip irrigation. It also discusses monitoring soil moisture with a tensiometer and rainwater harvesting projects across 11 parishes. The NIC aims to improve on-farm water management through training, demonstration plots, and providing best practice guidance in irrigation and water conservation techniques.
Water Use Efficiency through On-Farm Water Management Techniques
- 1. Water Use Efficiency through On- Farm Water Management Techniques ADAPTIVE RESPONSES TO CLIMATE CHANGE Winston Shaw, Manager On-Farm Water Management Unit, NIC
- 2. National Irrigation Commission Ltd. • The National Irrigation Commission (NIC) facilitates agricultural productivity in irrigated areas through the provision of reliable, efficient and affordable irrigation • The chief role of the NIC is to provide irrigation services to the agricultural sector
- 3. On-Farm Water Management Unit • Improve on-farm water management and water use efficiency through: – Training both farmers and technical officers in water management and irrigation techniques – The development of small scale irrigation schemes & rain water harvest systems with partnering agencies e.g. FAO, EU, UNDP, USAID – Establish relevant farm demonstration plots – Provides guidance on best practices in irrigation
- 4. Water Management Techniques • Method of Water Application • On-Farm Irrigation System Design • Management of Soil Moisture
- 5. Water Application in Non Irrigated Areas
- 6. Water Application in Irrigated Areas • Three Main Methods: – Furrow/Surface – Sprinkler – Drip
- 10. Low Application Rate 1- 4 L/H emitters flow. Flexible spacing . Application rate to meet: Plant requirement. Soil infiltration. Cost effective design. Simplicity.
- 11. Water Demand • There is an increasing demand Island wide on water for irrigation needs • Consequently, there is a greater focus on water conservation, not just in times of drought, but: – in anticipation of future population growth, and – Increased agricultural activities e.g. Agroparks & MOAF Initiative “Grow What we Eat…”
- 12. Trickle Application System • The most efficient and economical method of water application to crops BENEFITS Highly efficient water use Integration of fertilizer application Durable, long life dripline Easy installation, operation & maintenance Uniform distribution of water Lower pressure & energy needed
- 13. Monitoring and Managing Soil Moisture • Important in Water Management • Irrigate based on information from the soil • Prevents over irrigating • Prevents water logging • Minimize water loss • Cost effective
- 14. Tensiometer
- 15. Tensiometer
- 16. Rainwater Harvesting in Agriculture
- 17. Rain Water Harvest Projects • 11 Pilots sites were installed in South St. Elizabeth through funding and technical support from FAO • 500,000 gallon storage and 5 x 0.25acre demonstration plots in St. Elizabeth – UNDP/GEF • 6 RWH reservoirs in North Clarendon • 15 RWH reservoirs and small scale irrigation schemes in 7 parishes funded by GOJ Adaptation (ongoing) • System featured: – Catchment and storage – Solar powered pump – Gravity drip irrigation system
- 20. Way Forward • Government/State Support • Develop and Implement Strategies in Water Use Efficiency • Capacity Building in Water Management and Climate Smart Techniques among farmers and technical officers • Public Education • Adapt and Implement Current Technology • Continue Collaborative Work with International and Local Partners