Water productivity of mulched and drip irrigated watermelon in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Abstract

Water productivity is the amount of yield produced for a specific crop per cubic meter of fresh water. It is not determined for majority of crops in Iraq and Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI) where water shortage compelled farmers to practice modern techniques like drip irrigation and plastic mulch. This study aims to calculate and report the water productivity of watermelon produced using drip irrigation and plastic mulch at a farm scale. Data on the yield, the number of irrigations, the length of each irrigation, as well as the cost and benefit of production were gathered in 2019 from 32 farmers who produced watermelons in a 119 ha area. The mean value was 62 ton ha− 1 for yield, 4,675 m3 ha− 1 for water applied, and 15 kg m− 3 for water productivity. Approximately, 66 liter of water was applied to produce one kilogram of watermelon. A cost-benefit analysis showed that water applied accounted for 11% of the overall production benefits, production expenses for 31%, and net benefits for 58%. It is concluded that the later move from surface irrigation on uncovered soil to drip irrigation and mulching is an important adaptation strategy given the current water shortage in the area.