SCHEDULING FREQUENCY AND METHOD OF IRRIGATION IN RICE FARMING

The accurate determination of an irrigation schedule is a time consuming and complicated process. The introduction of computer programmes, however, has made it easier and it is possible to schedule the irrigation water supply exactly according to the water needs of the crop (rice). Ideally, at the beginning of the growing season, the amount of water given per irrigation application also called the irrigation depths is small and given frequently.


This is due to the low evapotranspiration of the young plants and their shallow root depth. During the mid season, the irrigation depth should be larger and given less frequently due to high evapotranspiration and maximum root depth. This ideally the irrigation depth and the irrigation interval (frequency) vary with  crop development.
 
            When sprinkler and drip irrigation methods are used, it may be possible and practical to vary both the irrigation depth and frequency during the growing season. With these methods it is just a matter of turning on the tap longer/shorter or less more frequently.
            When a surface irrigation method is used, how ever, it is not very practiced to vary the irrigation depth and frequency too much. With in particular, surface irrigation variations in irrigation depth are only possible within limits. It is also very confusing for the farmers to change the schedule all the time. 

THREE SIMPLE METHODS OF DETERMINING THE IRRIGATION SCHEDULE IN RICE FARMING ARE BRIEFLY DESCRIBED
1.         Plant observational method
2.         Estimation method
3.         Simple calculation methods
1.         Plant observation method: This is the method which is normally used by farmers in the field to estimate when to irrigate. The method is based on observing changes in the plants characteristics, such as changes in colour of the plant, curling of the leaves and ultimately plant wilting.
II.         Estimation method – In this method, a table is provided with irrigation schedules for the major field crop under various climatic conditions.
III.       Simple calculation method – This is based on the estimated depth (in mm) of the irrigation application and the calculation irrigation water need for the crop during the growing season.

SOIL AND WATER MANAGEMENT OF RICE IRRIGATION-METHODS
Sprinkler irrigates rice Land cradling-Establishing leaves water Delivery to fields – multiple Inlet irrigation.
            Sprinkler irrigated rice is very limited at this writing. Research and experience show that the best potential is either on clay or sandy lean soils 0that are relatively free of Johnson grass. Many silt loan soils tend to crust which causes excessive runoff and inadequate in filtration in the soil. This can lead to drought stress or excessive irrigation which generally results in decreased yield and increased pumping costs. Rutting and sticking of the center pivot is also a potential problem. There is also a possibility that certain disease problems could be increased when the foliage is whetted at the frequency associated with sprinkler irrigation. Sprinkler irrigation should be used on experimented basis only.
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