Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation Systems Evaluation According to Economic Indicators of Water Productivity in Southern France

Considering water resources deficiency, optimum use of water is very important and has led to recognition of the significance of water productivity. This study was carried ­out for evaluation of three irrigation systems including surface, subsurface tape drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation for corn. The experiment was conducted in 2007, 2008, and 2009 at Irstea Research Institute located in Montpellier (southeastern France). Five experimental treatments included surface­ drip ­irrigation (full irrigation (FI) and deficit irrigation (DI)), subsurface drip irrigation with lateral spacing of 120 and 160 cm, and sprinkler irrigation. For treatments evaluation, different productivity indices i.e. WP, BPD, NBPD, and B/C were used. Results showed that in 2007 FI was more economical than DI and sprinkler irrigation, and had more net benefit. Grain yield from 13800 kg/ha in sprinkler irrigation increased to 16400 and 17400 kg/ha in DI and FI, respectively. In 2008, subsurface irrigation treatment was better than sprinkler irrigation according to above indices. In 2009, water productivity of subsurface drip irrigation was more than sprinkler irrigation, but none of treatments had net benefit. In 2008 and 2009, water used in subsurface drip irrigation decreased at least 16% and grain yield increased at least 18% as compared with sprinkler irrigation. Considering different conditions, such as water resources of Iran, use of subsurface drip irrigation system for row crops such as corn is recommended.