A comprehensive approach to agricultural water productivity requires actions at all levels, from crops to irrigation schemes, and up to national and international economic systems. In particular, shifting to modern on-farm irrigation practices can contribute to a substantial increase in both water use efficiency and water productivity. The objective of this handbook is to provide a practical guide on the use of pressurized irrigation techniques to farmers, irrigation technicians, and extension workers in the field. In this second edition, the handbook has been considerably revised, including new chapters on low-cost drip irrigation and pipe distribution systems for smallholders.

Increasing the efficiency of water use and enhancing agricultural water productivity at all levels of the production chains are becoming priorities in a growing number of countries. In particular, shifting to modern on-farm irrigation practices can contribute to a substantial increase in both water use efficiency and water productivity. The objective of this handbook is to provide a practical guide on the use of pressurized irrigation techniques to farmers, irrigation technicians, and extension workers in the field. In this second edition, the handbook has been considerably revised, including new chapters on low-cost drip irrigation and pipe distribution systems for smallholders.--Publisher's description.

Provides a practical guide on the use of pressurised irrigation techniques to farmers, irrigation technicians, and extension workers in the field. In this second edition, the handbook has been considerably revised, including new chapters on low-cost drip irrigation and pipe distribution systems for smallholders. The ring binder format of the handbook will permit future update of individual chapters.

The irrigation water is considered as the essential input for crop production. Over exploitation of natural water resources has caused a menace for the future human generations. The depletion of underground water table in high productivity areas and under utilization of the water resources in rain fed areas of the country, poor irrigation efficiency and high seepage losses from conveyance system, poor land development and mismanagement of the irrigation water resources has acquired alarming proportions. As the share of water for agriculture in future is going to reduce, there will be tremendous pressure to produce more per drop of water in order to meet the food and other requirements of burgeoning population of the country. The existing irrigation water resources are not utilized judiciously and their mismanagement has lead to problems like low production efficiency, salinization, water logging and degradation of land. To manage these problems and increase the production efficiency of irrigation, it is pertinent to adopt judicious methods of irrigation water use, by efficient on-farm irrigation management based on scientific approach. Therefore, a comprehensive knowledge of available soil moisture and its constants, scheduling and quality of irrigation water and proper drainage techniques is crucial. This manual on irrigation engineering is an attempt to fulfil this urgent need as it covers all major aspects of irrigation water management. Although, manual is meant primarily for the students of agricultural universities, yet it will provide valuable basic information and guide to the scientific community and field functionaries.

This book guides architects, landscape designers, urban planners, agronomists and society on the implementation of sustainable rooftop farming projects. The interdisciplinary team of authors involved stresses the different approaches and the multi-faceted forms that rooftop farming may assume in any context. While rooftop farming experiences are sprouting all over the world the need for scientific evidence on the most suitable growing solutions, policies and potential benefits emerges. This volume brings together existing experiences as well as suggestions for planning future sustainable cities.