THE IMPACT OF IRRIGATION IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES ON WATER AND SALT BALANCE FOR LAND IRRIGATED FROM NEKLA CANAL IN (EL-BEHIRA GOVERNORATE)

Abstract

Several field trials were conducted in different locations along Nekla canal.Elbehara Gov. Three representative mesqas, (Arfa Mousa at the head, Elafeer2 at the middle and Elbanna at the tail) were selected to evaluate the impact of the implementation of the activities and processes of field irrigation system development on soil and irrigation water characteristics. crop yield, water saving, water productivity, water and salt balance and in consequently on rationalizing the use of water resources were also taken in evaluation. The activities and processes of the development of the on-farm system include the conversion of the unlined canals to buried pipes operating under water pressure or to lined canals. The transition from multiple lift points to a single lifting point at the mouth at the head of the mesqa and the replacement of the hand control gates to the mechanical control gates for each canal feeder. In addition to the replacement of combined water lifting machines with diesel or electric lifting machines. The development of field irrigation system extended to the formation of water users' associations at the branch canal level and the water council at the main canal level. Effects of irrigation system development on water and soil properties Results revealed slight decreases in pH and EC of water samples taken from the three tested mesqas as affected by field irrigation system development, where the mean values decreased from 8.18 to 7.99 for pH and from 0.57 to 0.54 dS/m for EC. The lowest pH value was observed in water samples taken from Eafeer2 mesqa after field irrigation system development. Similar trend was also observed for soluble Ca2+, Mg2+. This may be due to a reduction in canal water contamination after development. No specific trend was observed for changes in Na+, K+. Cl- and SO4= values after development compared with pre-development values.