BayG.A.P. SERVICE PROGRAM MODULE 3
MODULE 3.2:
IRRIGATION PRINCIPLES
The following are guiding principles for management of irrigation:
Essentials of good irrigation:
• Understand irrigation management as a key
factor for successful farming
• Be aware of the water holding characteristics
of your soil
• Align timing and amount of watering with crop
requirements, based on the recommendation of
your agronomic engineer
• Adjust irrigation to the minimum amount of
water plus a leaching fraction
• Seize the night and colder phases of the day
for irrigation to prevent evaporation
• Use water reserves carefully and adequately
to preserve the water volume and quality
• Increase irrigation efficiency on the farm
by reusing and recycling water as well as
through efficient systems
• Minimize water use for cleaning equipment by
using alternative cleaning methods, e.g. dry
cleaning techniques
• Collect and use clean rainwater for irrigation and
cleaning purposes
• Store rainwater from rainy periods for dry
spells by using tanks, ponds or cisterns
• Filter and treat collected water if required
before use because of potential contamination
(e.g. by birds)
• Introduce irrigation management principles
and practices to farm staff
• ...
Irrigation system:
• Set up and maintain appropriately designed
irrigation systems regarding your individual farm
conditions
• Regularly check condition and output of your
system, modify your system if required at the
start of each irrigation season. Document all the
maintenance actions in files
• Monitor and adjust irrigation by checking your
soil moisture
• Frequently check system for leaks and
blockages
• Only employ water-efficient irrigation systems
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