Simple Irrigation Scheduling Calendars

Abstract

Simple calendars are described that express best dates of irrigation based on long-term weather data. The calendars are intended to promote easy and ready adaption of improved water management practices by farmers in both developed and developing countries by presenting simplified, nontechnical scheduling guidance. The calendars are developed using a daily soil-water balance-crop yield model. Once developed, the calendars require no updating and no further input by technical personnel. Calendars are developed for several planting dates, soil types and initial water contents. Developed calendars graphically show recommended irrigation occurrences expressed in days or weeks after sowing that correspond with the type of irrigation water delivery schedule utilized. The calendars are generalized as much as possible to promote widespread public usability. The graphical nature of the calendars encourages use by illiterate or semiliterate farmers. The methodology demonstrated is transferable to any site where sufficient weather data are available.