Evaluation and Comparison of Water Productivity in Traditional and Consolidated Paddy Fields in Astaneh Ashrafieh County

Management of soil and water resources and sustainable development of agriculture by increasing rice yield and water productivity has high importance. Consolidation of paddy fields is one of the solutions for this purpose. In this regard, this research aimed to investigate role of consolidation projects in paddy fields on water productivity. The research was done in Astaneh Ashrafiyeh, in Guilan Province, on paddy fields in 3 situations (upland, middle land, and lowland) and 2 farm types (traditional and consolidated), with 5 replications, during 2015 and 2016 . The data on rice yield and different water productivities were analyzed based on double split plot with Tuckey mean analysis method. The results showed that average yield of traditional and consolidated fields were 3958 and 3901 kg ha-1, respectively, without any significant difference. In traditional fields, the gross productivity based on evapotranspiration alone and evapotranspiration plus percolation was, respectively, 3% and 3 % more than those in the consolidated fields. However, net productivity based on evapotranspiration alone, evapotranspiration plus percolation, and water use in consolidated fields was, respectively, 50%, 51%, and 54% more than in traditional fields. Therefore, planning and implementing consolidation projects on paddy fields can increase water productivity.