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Potential for Irrigation Water Saving Using Polymers in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Corresponding Author(s) : A.S. Elamin
Asian Journal of Chemistry,
Vol. 26 No. 17 (2014): Vol 26 Issue 17
Abstract
Saudi Arabia consumes about 18 billion cubic meters of water per year for irrigation, most of which comes from non-renewable groundwater. Therefore there is an urgent need for agricultural practices aimed at reducing the water use. Since there is an estimated 25 % irrigation loss, the use of commercial polymers that improve the soil structure and moisture-holding capacity are recommended. The tests were conducted in a greenhouse by growing wheat and alfalfa on two soil types by varying the ratio of polymer mixing and salinity of water used for irrigation. Results indicate that the use of polymers increase moisture content and yield, while also reducing irrigation frequency.
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- Climatic Atlas of Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Agriculture and Water (MAW) (1988).
- Computerized Irrigation Water Management System for SHADCO Research Report, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Research Institute (KFUPM/RI), Vol. 1 (1993).
- Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC), Standard method of Water and Wastewater Analysis, American Public Health Association (APHA), Vol. 21 (2005).
- C.A. Black, D.D. Evans, J.L. White, L.E. Ensminger and F.E. Clark, Methods of Soil Analysis, American Society of Agronomy Inc., USA, pp. 136-139 (1979).
References
Climatic Atlas of Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Agriculture and Water (MAW) (1988).
Computerized Irrigation Water Management System for SHADCO Research Report, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Research Institute (KFUPM/RI), Vol. 1 (1993).
Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC), Standard method of Water and Wastewater Analysis, American Public Health Association (APHA), Vol. 21 (2005).
C.A. Black, D.D. Evans, J.L. White, L.E. Ensminger and F.E. Clark, Methods of Soil Analysis, American Society of Agronomy Inc., USA, pp. 136-139 (1979).