Title:
THE EFFECT OF SLOPE, FURROW LENGTH AND FLOW RATE ON CANE AND SUGAR YIELD USING FURROW IRRIGATION.

Authors:
Sengera P and Mpala C

Volume - 2 Issue - 10, Pages - 4961-4971

Abstract:
Furrow irrigation is the most common method of applying water to sugarcane at Macdom Sugarcane Estate in Chisumbanje, Zimbabwe. The plantation is facing problems in irrigation water management. The study was conducted in Macdom Sugar Estate to evaluate the effect of slope, furrow length and flow rate on cane and sugar yield. A split-split plot design, with three treatments and three levels; 0.06, 0.08 and 0.1% slope, 100, 200 and 300 m furrow length and 0.8, 1.2 and 3 l/s flow rate was conducted. Cane and sugar yields in the study were 9.07 to 12.86 t/ha/month and 0.83 to 1.49 t/ha/month, respectively. Cane and sugar yields were not significantly affected by slope and furrow length whereas, flow rate had a significant effect on both cane and sugar yield. The variation of means due to the interaction effects of slope, furrow length and flow rate were found to be significant (p<0.05) on cane yield. It can be concluded that 300 m furrow length and 3 l/s flow, which gave 12.860t/ha/month cane yield with the slope 0.08% is better for sugar production at Macdom Sugarcane Estate in Chipinge District, Manicaland Province Zimbabwe. A combination of 300m furrow length at 0.08% slope and 3 l/s flow rate can be recommended. This combination had high irrigation performances as well as saving water compared to other combinations.

Cite this Article:

[P, Sengera, and Mpala C. "THE EFFECT OF SLOPE, FURROW LENGTH AND FLOW RATE ON CANE AND SUGAR YIELD USING FURROW IRRIGATION." International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 2, no. 10, 2017, pp. 4961-4971. October.]