IRRIGATION SCHEDULE FOR TOMATO CROP IN BUSA IRRIGATION SCHEME IN THE UPPER WEST REGION USING CROPWAT 8.0 MODEL

Abstract

The inadequate capacity of irrigation managers to plan and to execute irrigation schedule in community-based managed small-scale irrigation schemes in the Upper West region such as the Busa irrigation scheme is one major constraint of ensuring water use efficiency and optimum crop yield. Irrigation schemes in the region are poorly managed. In general, properly managed irrigation scheme is preferred than properly designed schemes that is poorly managed. Irrigation schedule provides information on how much water to irrigate (quantity) and when to irrigate (frequency), based on the crop type, climate, the soil, the command area to be irrigated, the availability of the water supply system, the flexible irrigation timing and the irrigation application method. Irrigation schedule using the computation method is a complex process without the use of computer model. The FAO CropWat 8.0 software, a computer model was therefore used to plan irrigation schedule for tomato crop at Busa irrigation scheme. The information provide in this paper will help irrigation engineers, technicians, students, extension officers, water user’s association (WUA) members and other stakeholders to be able to plan irrigation schedule to ensure water use efficiency and optimum crop yield.