A comparison of irrigation systems and their effects on crop yields per hectare
Here’s a table comparing drip irrigation, pivot irrigation, and gravity irrigation systems in terms of average crop yields per hectare for sugarcane, cocoa, avocado, mango, citrus, and tomato grown in open field, based on general industry trends.
*Specific yield outcomes can vary due to factors like varieties, region, soil quality, and management practices, but this table summarizes typical trends observed:
| Crop |
Irrigation Method |
Average Yield Increase (compared to gravity irrigation) |
Water Efficiency |
Average Yield (Tons/Ha)* |
Notes |
|
Sugarcane |
Drip | 30%-50% | High |
140-160 |
Drip saves 40%-60% water compared to gravity, boosts sugar content and cane weight. |
| Pivot |
15%-25% |
Moderate | 85-100 |
More uniform watering than gravity but less precise than drip. |
|
|
Gravity (Flood) |
Baseline | Low | 70-80 |
Higher water usage, less uniform distribution, often results in lower yields. |
|
|
Cocoa |
Drip |
30%-40% |
Very High |
1.2-1.8 |
Precision watering is critical in tropical climates for maintaining high yields. |
| Pivot | Moderate |
no data |
Not commonly used for cocoa due to terrain, but some regions may use. |
||
|
Gravity (Flood) |
Baseline | Low |
0.8-1.2 |
Widespread in smallholder farms, lower efficiency leads to moisture stress in trees. |
|
|
Avocado |
Drip |
25%-35% |
High | 15-20 |
Drip reduces water usage and prevents overwatering which harms avocado roots. |
| Pivot | Moderate |
no data |
Suitable for large farms, but avocados prefer more targeted irrigation. |
||
|
Gravity (Flood) |
Baseline | Low | 9-13 |
Common in traditional systems, but leads to water wastage and uneven water supply. |
|
|
Mango |
Drip |
25%-40% |
High |
25-40 |
Drip optimizes fruit size and quality, reduces fruit drop. |
| Pivot |
15%-25% |
Moderate |
no data |
Can work well in large mango orchards, though drip is generally more efficient. |
|
|
Gravity (Flood) |
Baseline | Low |
10-15 |
Waterlogging and uneven water supply can reduce yield quality. |
|
|
Citrus |
Drip |
25%-50% |
High |
35-45 |
Drip irrigation is highly effective in citrus, enhancing fruit size and uniformity. |
|
Pivot |
Moderate |
no data |
Can be useful for large-scale operations but lacks precision compared to drip. |
||
|
Gravity (Furrow) |
Baseline |
Low |
15-25 |
Can cause nutrient leaching and water stress, reducing fruit yield and quality. |
|
|
Tomato (Open Field) |
Drip |
85-95% |
High |
70-90 |
Offers precise water and nutrient application, leading to higher yields and improved fruit quality. Reduces water stress and minimizes diseases. |
|
Pivot |
70-85% |
Moderate |
55-70 |
Effective for larger fields, but uneven distribution can lead to areas of water stress or excess, potentially affecting yield consistency. |
|
|
Gravity (Furrow) |
Baseline |
Low |
35-50 |
Often results in waterlogging and uneven moisture distribution, leading to lower yields and poorer fruit quality. |
Crop-Specific Yield Insights:
- Sugarcane: Drip irrigation significantly increases yield due to precise water application and better root zone management.
- Cocoa: Due to the sensitive nature of cocoa trees, drip irrigation allows for optimal pod development, especially in tropical climates.
- Avocado: The deep-rooted nature of avocado trees benefits from drip irrigation by preventing over-irrigation, which is common in gravity systems.
- Mango: Drip irrigation helps maintain uniform water distribution, which is crucial for developing healthy and high-quality fruit.
- Citrus: Drip irrigation helps prevent waterlogging and diseases like root rot, which are common in poorly drained gravity irrigation systems.
Key Points:
- Drip irrigation: Most efficient system, yielding the highest crop increases due to precise water delivery directly to plant roots. Especially effective for high-value crops like cocoa, avocado, and citrus.
- Pivot irrigation: Suitable for large-scale farming but less precise than drip. Generally better than gravity irrigation in improving yields but can waste more water than drip.
- Gravity irrigation: Least efficient, typically used in traditional farming. It tends to have higher water wastage, uneven water distribution, and comparatively lower yields.
Sources:
- FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) reports on irrigation systems and water management.
- Research studies on specific crop irrigation techniques (sugarcane, cocoa, avocado, mango, and citrus).
- Publications on agricultural best practices from academic institutions and national agriculture departments.
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