Agricultural Approach: Soil and Water Conservation

Drip Irrigation System

Drip irrigation, also known as trickle irrigation or micro-irrigation, involves the application of water onto the soil at very low rates (2-20L/h) [2]. It is an efficient system that delivers water directly to the plants’ root zone, in the right amount, at the right time for optimal growth, enabling farmers to produce higher yields while saving on water, fertilizers, and fuel [3].

Climate Adaptation Effectiveness

Some of the advantages of drip irrigation systems making it an effective adaptation for drought or dry seasons are reduced evaporation, the wider area can be irrigated and water is distributed uniformly, constant condition of water retention at low tension is created, crop yield increases per unit of applied water, and crop health improves due to less water contact with leaves and stems, thus less favorable for disease development [3].

Climate Hazards

  • Drought

Locations

  • Nueva Ecija, Region III (Central Luzon)

Adaptation Sectors

  • Agriculture
  • Water Management

CCET Instuments

  • Action Delivery

Target Group based on Vulnerability

Basic Sectors:
  • Cooperatives
  • Farmers and Landless Rural Workers
  • Indigenous Peoples

Evaluations

Economic / Financial Effectiveness
Mid

The solution has economic benefits such as increased labor productivity, high water savings at 30-70%, and high water productivity and water-use efficiency. However, this entails high initial investment cost and requires thorough maintenance. [2]

Technical Feasibility
Mid

This solution requires skilled labor in the installation of components [2].

Social Acceptability
Mid

The technology introduced during the Training on Irrigation Techniques for Small-Scale Farmers by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center III in Nueva Ecija was positively received by farmers. It allows them to plant during the dry season. They also can reduce the labor cost for the application of fertilizer and watering. [1]

Environmental Impact
High (+)

Employing drip irrigation system results to better yield and reduces the risk of mudflows and flooding in villages located downhill [3].

Mitigation co-benefit

An increase in production could mean a corresponding increase in soil carbon sequestration.

Keywords

Drip Irrigation, Soil and Water Conservation, Optimal Growth

References

[1] Agricultural Training Institute (2019). Drip Irrigation System: A Climate-resilient Technology for Small-scale Farmers. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357899213_The_National_Irrigation_System_in_the_Philippines_Analysis_of_issues_impact_on_agricultural_performance_and_opportunities_in_Region_III
[2] Samoy-Pascual, K., Lampayan, R., Donayre, D.K., Remocal, A., Fumera, J., Orge, R. (2022). Drip-irrigated Aerobic Rice. DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Optimizing-the-lateral-dripline-spacing-of-aerobic-Samoy-Pascual-Lampayan/d6b50862833f78bdd93a135627d9babaaa03ba4c
[3] United Nations Development Programme - Tajikistan (2022). Drip irrigation helps farmers in Tajikistan to grow crops, and adapt to climate change. https://www.undp.org/tajikistan/stories/drip-irrigation-helps-farmers-tajikistan-grow-crops-adapt-climate-change