Using CROPWAT Model in Scheduling Irrigation and Determining Water Use of Cotton in Two Areas in Syria PDF

Keywords

Irrigation scheduling, irrigation efficiencies, CROPWAT modeling, irrigation coefficients.

Abstract

Sustainability of cotton production depends on the development of irrigation methods that guarantee yield and meet best water management practices. This study aimed at determining local crop irrigation parameters for cotton grown at two locations in Syria, Hasakah and Aleppo, and to evaluate the performance of FAO’s CROPWAT Model for on-farm irrigation application for cotton under arid conditions at these two locations. Crop yield data were collected at the two locations over two cotton growing seasons 2001-2002. At each location, experimental plots were established, and treatments consisted of two irrigation methods; basin and drip. Irrigation water was applied before sowing and then each time the soil root zone reached 75% of field capacity. Results determined local crop water use values in the first year at 850 and 890 mm, and in the second year 880 and 910 in Aleppo and Hasaka, respectively. The simulated crop water use by CROPWAT model were 825 and 906 mm in the first year and 850 and 885 mm in the second year in Aleppo and Hasaka, respectively. Simulated irrigation timing using the model showed that the model performed well at these two local conditions and that managers in the region would benefit from using it for planning purposes. The model can be used as a management tool to help farmers, extension services, and other agents to analyze, make decisions, and optimize water use management.