Efficient water use in agriculture in Turkey: The need for pressurized irrigation systems

Abstract

Making irrigation more efficient in Turkey is both necessary and highly desirable. The DSI's (General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works) plans to convert open channel systems and raised canals into closed conduits or pipeline systems which are vital for efficient land and water use. More efficient and environmentally sound technologies such as pressurized irrigation systems (sprinkler, drip, mini-sprinkler, etc) exist that could reduce water demand and increase irrigation efficiency. If pressurized irrigation systems were extended to the whole country, 25.85 million additional hectares of land may be opened to irrigation. To ensure wider use of those systems, the scattered land holding structure should be eliminated.