Assessment of irrigation management practices using FAO-CROPWAT 8, case studies: Tina Plain and East South El-Kantara, Sinai, Egypt

The present study aims to assess current irrigation management practices in two totally different soil types and climatic conditions case studies at Tina Plain (AER1) and East South El-Kantara (AER2), Egypt. Net irrigation water requirements (NIWR) for eight crops were computed using the FAO-CROPWAT8 model. The results showed increasing in NIWR of about 25% for cultivating crops in AER2 compared to AER1. The current free crop pattern indicated 22.5% potential water savings compared to available water resources under surface irrigation efficiency of 40% in AER1 (clay soil) and 60% for surface, drip, and sprinkler irrigation in AER2 (sandy soil). Different crop pattern scenarios were tested and their income optimization was computed. Suggested scenarios showed Greenbeans and Sugarbeet crops had the maximum income (44% water saving). Whereas, Berseem clover and Cotton had minimum income and can cause 24% water shortage. Improving irrigation efficiency and cultivating Greenbeans and Sugarbeet are recommended.