Design of a Drip Irrigation System for the Dragon Fruit Cultivation

Abstract

Development of an efficient irrigation supplying precise amount of water can have benefits not only by reducing the operating costs but also by enhancing the dry land productivity. In the area with limited water resource, drip irrigation method provides advantage by minimizing water loss due to percolation, evaporation and surface flow. This article presents installation of a drip irrigation system for dragon fruit farmland in Nguntoronadi, Wonogiri, Indonesia. The water requirement of dragon fruit has been determined using the Cropwat software based in the local climate and field conditions. This data is required to determine the irrigation operation time each day. In evaluating economic feasibility of this irrigation system, a cost analysis was performed based on the site technical requirements. It is expected that the drip irrigation implemented will increase the total production of a rain fed farmland.