Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 3
Management practices available to increase the efficiency of water use at a field scale in rain-fed and irrigated
production systems. (Source: adapted from Wallace).
95
Improvement
type
Reduce storage and
conveyancing losses
Reduce runoff and drainage
losses
Increase dry matter per unit of
water transpired
Maximise crop transpiration
Agronomic
Use of fertiliser; using deep
rooted varieties; cultivation
to improve infiltration
Early sowing and use of
varieties with rapid early
growth; modifying plant
density; mulching; fallowing
and weed control
Use of higher-yielding
varieties; maximising
cropped area during periods
of low evaporative demand
and/or high rainfall
Technical
Use of practices that increase effectiveness of rainfall; e.g.
water harvesting, laser levelling, more efficient irrigation
methods, such as drip and sub-surface irrigation
Managerial
Improved maintenance of
equipment; better use and
management of saline and
waste water
Adoption of demand-based irrigation scheduling systems; use
of deficit scheduling
Institutional
User involvement in scheme operation and maintenance;
introduction of water pricing and legal frameworks to
provide incentives for efficient water use and disincentives
for inefficient use; introduction of integrated catchment
management; improved training and extension
