Studies on effect of trickle irrigation system in orchards

Abstract

Trickle irrigation system was introduced mainly for irrigating orchard crops in canal command area of south-west Punjab. In this study, efforts have been made to evaluate the impact of trickle irrigation system in orchard at farmer's field. Exhaustive surveys were conducted to collect the information regarding performance of this technology. Based on this study it was found that timely and fregiient watering reduced kinnow fruit dropping 5±1%. Results', of the study also revealed 23% more yield for trickle irrigated kinnow orchard. Water use efficiency 5.59 .q/cm was found with trickle irrigation as compared to 3.29 q/Cm of surface irrigated orchard. It was also found that trickle irrigation system utilized 33% less fertilizer as comptire to conven-tionally managed orchard. The 41% additional area cultivated due to acrOption of trickle irrigation system. Early fruiting observed in guava orchard where trickle irrigated system was installed from very beginning. Trickle irrigated guava orchard produced Rs.,-15000/- ha even at the age of 3-years only while surface irrigated orchard of same age was not in position to take fruiting. Besides the numerous advantages with trickle irrigation system, the technical and managerial problem noticed ,t farmer's level in canal irrigated areas