Effect of irrigation system on water use efficiency and usefulness of fodder crop production in Nepal

Abstract

In Nepal, a lack of efficient irrigation infrastructure is a serious hindrance to agricultural productivity. Although basin/border irrigation for cereal crops and furrow irrigation for fodder crops are now the most used irrigation methods, drip irrigation is a technology that can greatly improve WUE. Our findings show that drip irrigation, which applies water in a controlled and timely manner, improves fodder yields and, in particular, WUE during dry seasons, resulting in more efficient use and conservation of available land, fertilizer, and water. Drip irrigation, based on our field experience, is a relatively low-input technology that can significantly boost smallholder farmers' ability to sow fodder and other crops throughout the dry season while also increasing resistance to unpredictable water sources in a changing environment.