Investigating the Challenges and Environmental Impacts of Drip Tape Irrigation

Usage of drip tape irrigation systems for cereal crops is one of the problems that is increasing in many parts of Iran.Too much Focus on the water shortage leads to some solutions like drip tape irrigation for ceral crops which may reduce the problem temporarily but by the time causes the adverse effects on the environment. In this reasearch the innate problems related to drip tape irrigation as well as the environmental impact of plastic wastes which is incorporated in the environment by this irrigation method were investigated by calculating the amount of plastic wastes. The results showed that if the current trend continue¡ the share of agriculture in plastic wastes production will be very high. Environmental impacts of polyethylene are transfer of polyethylene pieces by wind or other factors which turns the point-source to nonpoint-source pollution that results in a progressive spread of undesirable effects such as the death of marine animals or being trapped in plastic wastes¡ hormonal disorders¡ and finally incorporation in human food chain¡ effects on livestock¡ pollution of water and soil resources due to its resistance to degradation¡ reduction in soil porosity¡ visual pollution and negative impact on tourism¡ production of harmful toxins such as carbon dioxide and hazardous dioxins due to burning the drip tapes and finally air pollution and global warming. If policymakers and water managers don’t consider these concerns¡ despite the waste of national capital by this irrigation method it will destroy national resources and will cause unstable operation of this irrigation system.