Cotton crop production using different irrigation systems [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The present field experiments were carried out in the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh during successive seasons 2003/2004 and 2004/2005. Cotton (Giza 89 variety, long-staple) was sown on April 24th and 22nd during 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 keeping spacing of 0.70 m between rows and 0.30 m between hills within the row. The present research included the following factors: a)Irrigation system: Three irrigation systems were used (traditional furrow, alternate and drip). b)Furrow and lateral line length: Four lengthen of furrow and lateral lines were used in the present study (20; 40; 60 and 80 m). The results indicated that:- - The average values of the total irrigation water applied to cotton crop were 3090, 2608 and 2135 m³/fed. for furrow, alternative and drip irrigation, respectively. The amount of saved water was 482 and 955 m3/fed. for alternate and drip irrigations, respectively compared to furrow irrigation method. - Increasing drip line length led to a decline in the water distribution along the line. - Maximum value of LAI was 6.13 obtained with traditional furrow irrigation at 100 days from planting date (near peak bloom) and 80 m furrow length. - Drip irrigation systems, in general, provide only marginal improvements to water use efficiency under cotton region climate and soil conditions. - The average cotton yield values were 4.89, 5.69 and 4.93 Kentar ¹/fed. for traditional furrow, alternative furrow and drip irrigation methods, respectively. - The maximum value of water use efficiency was 0.43 kg/m³ using drip irrigation system and 20 m drip line length. The worst value was 0.21 kg/m³ obtained with traditional furrow irrigation at 80 m furrow length.

Summary in Arabic.

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