SURGE-FLOW IRRIGATION AS INEXPENSIVE TECHNIQUE FOR WATER RATIONALIZATION IN NILE DELTA

Abstract

This paper examines surge-flow irrigation as a cost-effective strategy for water rationalization in the Nile Delta. The study explores the benefits of this technique compared to traditional continuous-flow irrigation, using field trials to assess its effectiveness. The experiment took place on a private farm located in El- Santa district, Gharbiya Governorate, middle of the Nile Delta, Egypt, cultivated with corn (Zea Maize) during growing season of 2023, having a clay-loam textured soil. In this study, two of main design and management variables (unit flow rate, Q0; and cutoff time, tco) are selected such that the corresponding performance indices (seasonal irrigation requirements, Qreq; application efficiency, Ea; water storage efficiency, Er; water use efficiency, Ewu and distribution uniformity, DUp are measured and/or estimated and discussed. Surge flow with three cycle- ratios was compared to continuous flow to opened long furrows of 120 m length without dikes. Main results cleared out that the water applied during surge treatments advanced faster compared with continuous one. On average, water saving of 18 to 30 percent was observed in surge-irrigated furrows under different levels of discharge and on-off cycles. Performance indicators such as, per each irrigation and seasonal volume of water needed to complete irrigation, distribution uniformity, application efficiency, deep percolation losses and yield of corn, the surge mode of irrigation is convincingly better compared with continuous irrigation.