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1. Use
of gravity fed drip irrigation to optimize fertilizer &
water use
Water and nutrients are key resources required to improve
crop growth and productivity. Constant rise in price of
mineral fertilisers and scarcity of water drive compelling
needs to develop and promote appropriate techniques which
optimise use of these resources.
Since long, the drag line, mini sprinkler and portable/semi
portable sprinkler irrigation systems have been most
commonly used in local production of vegetables, fruits and
cut-flowers. To sensitise small and medium scale producers
on importance of efficient use of water and plant nutrients,
the AREU introduced in 2002, the first gravity fed drip
irrigation system in the form of the Netafim Family Drip
System with capacity to irrigate gardens of extent up to 500
m2. Few years later, in 2009, the KARI Drip Kit
which can irrigate cultivated extent up to 2000 m2
was introduced from Kenya. These two systems were
tested for performance under local conditions.
The gravity-fed drip irrigation system is simple, low cost
and energy saving. It is more efficient than sprinkler types
and can save up to 40 to 50% in water use. The proposed
system enables direct application of soluble fertilizers and
water to the root zone. In addition to general improvement
in crop yield of up to 50%, the gravity-fed drip irrigation
system equally minimizes on risk of pollution to groundwater
and the environment at large.
For more information contact:
bdu@areu.mu
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