To accomplish
IrWa mission in improving irrigation and fertilization
management at on-farm level and to strengthen NCARTT
extension services, 6 extension agents were put at the
disposition of the project for 2 day/weeks and a pilot system for extension services has
been settled.
Field work
coordination and training is organized by IrWa Agricultural
Expert in collaboration with
NCARTT National Coordinator
during regular technical meeting with Extension Agents.
Technical assistance and training on irrigation design and
optimisation of filtration was provided by IrWa irrigation
engineer. Based on their current
specialisation, the Extension Agents were divided into two
groups concentrating on irrigation and fertilization
practices (Figure 1).
Graphic 1:
Extension organisation chart for fertilization and
irrigation assessment
The main objectives of the extension
service pilot project are to provide technical assistance
and training to the 30 pilot farmers and a larger number of
farmers in the surrounding area. The activities include:
- Surveys on irrigation and fertilization practices,
to identify the aspects of current irrigation and
fertilization management practices bottle necks, as well as
the perceived and actual needs of farmers training;
- Assessments of irrigation system efficiency and
monitoring the efficacy of the intervention already realized
by the project;
- Assistance to farmers in soil analysis
interpretation conducted by NCARTT Laboratory and use of the
results
to improve fertility management;
- Improvements of fertilization planning using PILazo®
method (a methodology of Nitrogen
management based
on weekly soil and sap tests);
- Realization of demo plots on irrigation and
fertilization topics related to farmers technical questions.
During the project implementation, a
training program has been prepared to the Extension Agents
to improve their
skills in optimisation of irrigation and
fertilization practices. This Training of Trainers included:
- Filtration system operation and
maintenance practices
- On-farm irrigation network evaluation
using irrigation uniformity and
pressure measurements
- PILazo and nutrichek NO3 management
techniques for eggplant and tomato (soil and sap
testing)
- Evaluation of an existing irrigation
network (determination of the pump curve using PROSONIC,
pressure measurements etc.)
- Optimization of irrigation network
using field measurement and specialized software (EPANET
and excel sheet)
- Fertilization planning using soil
test analysis
- Soil sampling techniques
- Procedures to use portable EC meter
for soil and water quality
evaluation
- Symptoms of soil fertility disorder
- Pest and disease management for
eggplant, tomatoes and cucumber
Based on its experience in Jordan, IrWa
project will finalize its work in promotion of adapted
Technology Transfer Service by delivering NCARTT its
recommendations synthesised in a final report. This report
will include specific task definitions, work organisation
and means needed to provide tailored service to farmers.
