Horticulture in Spate Irrigation 5.4 Horticulture in Spate Irrigation
Horticulture in Spate Irrigation Horticultural production is possible in spate irrigation, provided: Use the cool season Soils are sandy-loamy preferable with good organic content Care is taken in conserving soil moisture Care is taken to prevent damage from tresspassing livestock, birds and pests Care is taken to avoid damage from late floods Note: Additional use of groundwater makes it easy
Conserving soil moisture Example from Eritrea: conserving soil moisture: After being flooded few times in August-September This field was ploughed by tractor And mulched twice In February (this picture) soil moisture was still high
Examples of horticultural crops Tomatoes Planted from seedbed Planted out on humid day
Examples of horticultural crops Okra, lady-fingers Direct seeded
Examples of horticultural crops Beans
Examples of horticultural crops Pumpkins Added advantage: Non perishable
Examples of horticultural crops Cucumber and mellons
Examples of horticultural crops Kerkede (hibiscus)
Examples of horticultural crops Off-season onion in Sindh (Pakistan) Also well-irrigated
With thanks to Mohammed Ali Hamirai. Progressive farmer in Sheeb, Eritrea.