Comparison of energy productivity in surface and sprinkler irrigation systems for Wheat and Alfalfa cultivation (case study: downstream lands of Soural reservoir dam, Kurdistan Province)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Water Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran.

2 Department of Water Science and Engineering , Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the energy consumption patterns in the production of irrigated wheat and alfalfa in the downstream lands of the Soural Reservoir Dam in Kurdistan Province. The study also aimed to analyze key energy indicators such as energy ratio, specific energy, and energy productivity based on the type of irrigation systems and input usage.
Method: In this study, 37 farms with a total area of 76 hectares were selected. The farms were categorized into systems 1 and 2 for wheat cultivation, and systems 3 and 4 for alfalfa. Systems 1 and 3 were equipped with surface irrigation systems, while systems 2 and 4 utilized fixed classic sprinkler irrigation systems with movable sprinklers, all operating under gravity-fed water sources. Data on total input consumption were collected through questionnaires administered to farmers in the region during the 2020–2021 cropping season.
Results: The results indicated that in wheat cultivation systems, the highest energy consumption was associated with chemical fertilizers, especially nitrogen fertilizers. In alfalfa systems, irrigation water in system 3 and chemical fertilizers in system 4 were the dominant energy-consuming inputs. The total energy inputs for systems 1 to 4 were 29733.16, 46347.05, 52054.7, and 39147.48 MJ/ha, respectively, while the corresponding output energies were 66,450, 96,000, 189,600, and 229,100 MJ/ha. The calculated energy ratios were 2.32, 2.07, 3.64, and 5.85, and the specific energy values were 6.32, 6.81, 3.25, and 2.69 MJ/kg, respectively. Energy productivity was measured at 0.12, 0.10, 0.29, and 0.37 kg/MJ for the four systems, respectively.
Conclusion: The findings revealed that high nitrogen fertilizer uses in wheat farms and excessive water consumption in alfalfa farms significantly increased energy input levels. Moreover, delays in water release to farmers were identified as a major challenge in irrigation management in the area. To enhance energy productivity and reduce environmental impacts, it is recommended to educate farmers on efficient energy and resource management practices.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Advanced Technologies in Water Efficiency
Volume 5, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 72-93

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 06 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 23 May 2025

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