Increasing the efficiency of water use and enhancing agricultural water productivity at all levels of the production chains are becoming priorities in a growing number of countries. In particular, shifting to modern on-farm irrigation practices can contribute to a substantial increase in both water use efficiency and water productivity. The objective of this handbook is to provide a practical guide on the use of pressurized irrigation techniques to farmers, irrigation technicians, and extension workers in the field. In this second edition, the handbook has been considerably revised, including new chapters on low-cost drip irrigation and pipe distribution systems for smallholders.--Publisher's description.

Provides a practical guide on the use of pressurised irrigation techniques to farmers, irrigation technicians, and extension workers in the field. In this second edition, the handbook has been considerably revised, including new chapters on low-cost drip irrigation and pipe distribution systems for smallholders. The ring binder format of the handbook will permit future update of individual chapters.

Introduction; Pressure piped irrigation techniques; Irrigation equipment and jointing techniques; System design; Equipment, standards and tenders for supply; Irrigation scheduling; Water quality for irrigation; Hose-move sprinkler irrigation; Microsprinklers; Minisprinklers; Bubbler irrigation of trees; Drip irrigation; Fertigation; Low-cost hose irrigation; Operation and maintenance; Irrigation terminology; Irrigation equipment.

With the strong competition that is arising for water resources the modernisation of irrigation systems is becoming a critical issue. One of the alternatives to modernisation is the use of pressurised systems to replace part of the existing networks. This publication analyses the performance of pressurised irrigation systems operating on demand, and provides revised criteria for the design of such irrigation networks. For this purpose, new approaches and a computer program have been developed. The program has been tested in several field situations in the Mediterranean Basin and has demonstrated its usefulness not only by quickly identifying weak points in irrigation networks but also by identifying the power requirements of pumping stations needed to satisfy varying demand situations.

FAO's Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. [Author] 63 introduced the MASSCOTE methodology in 2007, tailored for modernizing large-scale canal irrigation systems. [Author] With global interest shifting towards pressurized pipe systems, particularly in water-scarce regions, the need for a similar methodology became apparent. [Author] Pressurized systems offer advantages like on-demand irrigation, reduced water wastage, and environmental impact. [Author] However, they require complex management due to changing water demands. [Author] To address this, FAO developed the MASSPRES approach, building on MASSCOTE's principles. [Author] MASSPRES aims to assess and enhance the performance of pressurized irrigation schemes, introducing steps like the Rapid Appraisal Procedure (RAP) for system mapping. [Author] It offers innovative methods for evaluating pressures and discharges at farm hydrants under various operating conditions, replacing earlier statistical analysis approaches. [Author] MASSPRES incorporates indicators for capacity, reliability, distribution equity, sensitivity to change, and perturbation risks into user-friendly software. [Author] Practical examples from Egypt, Italy, Spain, and Tunisia showcase its effectiveness. [Author] As governments seek to improve water and food production amidst increasing water scarcity, adopting technologies like pressurized irrigation becomes crucial. [Author] MASSPRES provides a systematic framework for both upgrading existing systems and designing future ones, addressing the complexities of managing pressurized irrigation efficiently. [Author]

Many countries around the world are struggling with the challenges of water scarcity, including water for crops. Micro irrigation methods are an effective means to make the most efficient use of available water. This volume, Micro Irrigation Scheduling and Practices, continues the efforts of the book series Innovations and Challenges in Micro Irrigation to provide informative and comprehensive knowledge on micro irrigation methods and practices. This new book presents some of the latest information and research on micro irrigation and covers the area of performance, practices, and design, focusing particularly on the performance of vegetable, fruit and row crops in conjunction with different scheduling and practices. Irrigation scheduling is an important water management strategy, and this book addresses scheduling methods and issues. Design aspects of micro irrigation systems have also been discussed in the book. The authors present their research and studies on scheduling practices and design micro irrigation systems with a variety of fruits and vegetables, including peppers, chili, watermelon, oranges, banana, litchi, rice, sugarcane, sorghum, and marigolds. Micro Irrigation Scheduling and Practices will serve as a valuable reference for researchers, water resources professionals, agricultural extension agencies, farmers, and faculty and students.