Field tests of OSIRI - a decision-making tool for irrigation of sugarcane farms in Reunion
Date
2007-10
Authors
Chopart, J.-L., author
Aure, F., author
Le Mézo, L., author
Mézino, M., author
Antoir, J., author
Vauclin, M., author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
A decision-making software tool for monitoring irrigation of small farms in heterogeneous environments (OSIRI) was developed at the request of small-scale sugarcane farmers on the island of Réunion (France) hampered by variable climate and soil conditions. This program, which is based on a simple water balance simulation model coupled with a comprehensive set of decision rules, was designed to provide farmers with customized advice on discrete irrigation units and to simulate irrigation system scenarios so as to optimize their performance. The basic equations and main decision rules of OSIRI, as well as the software features, were given in Chopart et al. (2007). A detailed experimental study was carried out on a 5000 m2 irrigated sugarcane field to compare the performance of this tool with the currently used method based on maximum crop water requirements (control). The results showed that OSIRI reasonably well simulates actual evapotranspiration and drainage below the sugarcane root zone. Moreover, it allowed savings of about 26% in irrigation delivery throughout the crop cycle as compared with the control method, without a significant decrease in yield, and irrigation water productivity increased by 25%. The results of a survey of 25 farmers using OSIRI showed that it is a well accepted valuable decision-making tool.
Description
Presented at the Role of irrigation and drainage in a sustainable future: USCID fourth international conference on irrigation and drainage on October 3-6, 2007 in Sacramento, California.