Irrigation of orchards by using low cost drip irrigation technique
Type: Technologies
Creation: 2011-04-11 08:19 Updated: 2021-11-02 15:36
Compilers: Aslam Qadamov
Reviewers: Alexandra Gavilano, David Streiff, Joana Eichenberger
Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
- Country: Tajikistan
- Region/ State/ Province: GBAO
- Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Shugnan
- Map: View Map
Description of the SLM Technology
Short description of the Technology
Irrigation of a young orchard using locally available and low-cost materials for a drip irrigation system in the Pamir’s arid zone
Detailed description of the Technology
The system consists of a reservoir and polyethylene irrigation tubes and emitters installed along the rows of trees. Water accumulates in the reservoir during spring and early summer when there is no deficit in irrigation water. During the dry summer months water is then used for drip irrigation. Located in the upper part of the system, the reservoir ensures water pressure in the system. Due to the complex local topography, this irrigation method can be used without water pumps since natural water pressure ensures normal functioning of the system. Even though this water saving technology is quite effective, drip irrigation is rarely used since both the construction and maintenance of the system are quite expensive. With the introduction of this technology into the poor mountain communities of GBAO, the overall objective was to make drip irrigation technology cheaper and more easily available to farmers. The objective was achieved by the use of simple polyethylene irrigation tubes, simple screws instead of expensive emitters, and natural water pressure excluding the construction of a water pump station. Water is dripped directly to the roots of the trees, thus excluding loss of water and soil erosion. Fertilisers can be added directly to the water reservoir. This technology allows increased water savings of 50%, and 90% of fertilisers. During the growing period trees are watered once every 6 days.
Purpose of the Technology: The purpose of this technology is to improve the water supply for fruit orchards during the growing period in the arid conditions of the Pamirs where available water is very limited.
Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: Steps to implement the technology include the following: dig holes for trees, plant trees, establish water reservoir, lay polyethylene tubes, install emitters and regularly clean irrigation system.
Natural / human environment: The plot is located in an arid zone at the height of 2000m above sea level. It is a high mountain area with typical brown soils and slopes up to 60 degrees steepness. Annual precipitation is quite low and mainly occurs in the autumn and winter period. Summers are extremely dry. The main occupations of the local population include agriculture and cattle breeding.
Photos of the Technology
- 📍 Khosa village, Shugnan
- 🗓 2011-12-05
- 📷 Alab Abdulqodirov
- 📍 Khosa village, Shugnan
- 🗓 2011-12-05
- 📷 Alab Abdulqodirov