The valorization of irrigation water through plant production in the large irrigation scheme of Doukkala.

Abstract

Water resources in Morocco are potentially limited. Therefore, the agricultural sector, a high water consumer - up to 92% - should use irrigation water through a better technical, economical and social development of the water resource. Our work was integrated in the development policy of water irrigation by crops, in the perimeter of Doukkala between 1990/91 and 1999/2000. The survey concerned the main irrigated crops. The results showed that sprinkler irrigation only saves 13% of water ; therefore its use shoud be reviewed.The alfalfa is the crop that less uses irrigation water with only 1.37 DH of VP/m3. It should be substituted by other fodder crops such as the bersim. As the potatoe and tomato crops use better the irrigation water, they will be developed, mainly in areas where the water costs are very expensive. As grain maize is a high water demanding crop, its irrigation should be avoided when there is a water shortage.