Simplified Irrigation Scheduling and Crop Selection for El Salvador

Abstract

A unique condition exists for the country of El Salvador: By knowing only the elevation, the type of crop suitable for the area and the crop water requirement can be evaluated. This paper shows how elevation can be used to estimate the maximum and minimum temperatures for crop selection and for estimating crop water requirements. The need of simple, reliable, and easy‐touse methods for scheduling irrigation is emphasized. Few irrigators are literate and only a very small percentage have received training and/or instruction relative to the amount and frequency of irrigation. Approval of a $25,200,000 water management project to promote the production of high value, labor‐intensive crops gives emphasis to the needs for improved extension programs and for farmer training in irrigation scheduling.