Impact of Rod Kohis improvement on water conveyance losses and wheat yield
Keywords:
Conveyance losses; Sailaba; Barkhan; Wheat yield; Catchment area.Abstract
Soil erosion, sedimentation and the resulting irregular surface topography of Rod Kohis are generally considered to increase water conveyance losses, which may negatively effect crop yield in their command areas. Therefore, the impact of rod kohi improvement (proper alignment, desilting, grading and compaction) on water conveyance losses and wheat yield was investigated at Rarkan in Barkhan district of Baluchistan. The experiment was conducted during two consecutive wheat crop seasons, with rod kohi under traditional farmer managed conditions during the first season and under improved condition during the second season. The results showed up to 168%, 269% and 193% increased inflow rates, 35%, 75% and 350% increased rainwater interception, 8%, 23% and 79% increased irrigated command area and 172%, 118% and 30% increased wheat yield at tail, middle and head reaches, respectively when compared with pre-improvement season. This study indicates the prospects of improved livelihood in rod kohi areas by improving and properly maintaining the rod kohis, which seems achievable through active community participation in rod kohi areas.
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