Use of Pipelines to Improve Surface Irrigation in Hebei Province, China

Abstract

This paper describes the use of buried-pipe systems and flexible surface hoses in Hebei Province, China and their contribution to improved water use and increased management flexibility. Buried-pipe and hose systems facilitate the mixing and delivery of saline shallow ground water with fresh surface water or deep ground water. The average area served by a buried-pipe system is 4–5 ha. A substantial increase in irrigation command areas has resulted from the adaptation of existing buried-pipe systems to incorporate the use of surface hoses to distribute irrigation supplies from the outlet. New developments use a flexible hose directly connected to a tubewell pump or to larger buried-pipe systems, in many cases facilitating the conjunctive use of water from several sources. The distinctive features of system design, construction, and operation are described, along with capital cost estimates and an outline of benefits, which include flexibility to grow small areas of high-value crops.