Optimal Soil Type and Water Need Efficiency for Planning Smart Irrigation in Bugesera, Rwanda's Semi-Arid Region

Abstract

Sustaining agriculture is imperative. Agriculture has benefited from the adaptation of numerous technologies. One of the most effective methods for preventing droughts is the use of irrigation systems. However, a poorly designed irrigation system might lead to concerns including overwatering or underwatering, as well as decreased production and increased costs. For achieving a high yield, specific crops planted in a specific location should rely on the soil type. Identifying the soil type in Bugesera district and the amount of water necessary to meet irrigation needs is the goal of this article. This information assists in estimating the water storage capacity needed to properly plan for smart irrigation systems. The soil texture triangle was used to determine the soil type from the sample taken in the area. The laboratory test revealed that the percentage of sand in the tested sample was 94.8% and that of silt + clay was 5.2%; therefore, the soil type is sandy. Data from the meteorological station from 2018 to 2023 were analyzed, and the Cropwatt model was utilized to estimate the effective rainfall. Additionally, it was determined that the mid-stage peak water as crop evapotranspiration is equivalent to 43.9mm/decade, and the effective rainfall is 0.1mm/decade. Thus, the irrigation necessary to meet crop water needs is 43.8mm/decade which corresponds to 35.04m3. Then, the net volumetric irrigation requirement is 3.504m3/day and the useful storage capacity should not be less than 4m3 for a single irrigation/day.