Irrigation water needs analysis and management strategies in the Tadla irrigation zone: A case study of sugar beet plots

This study aims to evaluate irrigation water needs and propose effective management strategies for sugar beet cultivation in the Tadla irrigation perimeter, a semi-arid region facing increasing water scarcity despite its significant agricultural potential.Using the Blaney-Criddle formula, water needs were calculated by determining evapotranspiration (ETo) for three sowing periods: early, seasonal, and late.Data were collected from sugar beet growers using both drip and gravity irrigation systems, allowing for a comparison between actual water use and calculated crop water requirements.The results revealed that 46% of sugar beet farmers over-irrigate, leading to considerable water wastage, while 54% suffer from irrigation deficits due to the region's water scarcity.Net water requirements were estimated at 4204.8 m/ha for early sowings, 4575.01 m/ha for seasonal sowings, and 5529.58m/ha for late sowings, over the entire growing cycle.The study also found that all sugar beet growers using gravity irrigation systems exceed crop water needs, resulting in significant inefficiencies and water loss.Conversely, drip irrigation was shown to be a more efficient irrigation method, provided that irrigation practices align with crop-specific needs.However, the study is limited to sugar beet cultivation within the Tadla region, and the findings may not directly apply to other crops or regions.Further research could expand the study to include additional crops and assess the long-term impacts of implementing water-saving practices.The practical value of this research lies in its potential to improve irrigation efficiency and reduce water waste, offering actionable insights for farmers and policymakers.This study bridges the gap between theoretical water optimization and practical implementation in semi-arid regions, contributing to more sustainable water management practices and ensuring the future viability of agriculture in arid environments.