Service Contract No 2007 / 147-446 - Swaziland

6 . 2 M a n a g e m e n t P r a c t i c e sDifferent Soil TypesThe different soils (Lesibovu, Rondspring, and Somerling soil series) on which the project isdeveloped have different water holding properties and require different irrigation patterns.However, only one irrigation pattern is implemented by this FA. Irrigation stand time andirrigation cycle must be calculated based on individual soil properties. Block I for example, ison top of a small hill and its soil are significantly deferent than the rest of the scheme. Thesesoils have a lot of rock outcrops (figure 24). Otherwise, Maphobeni irrigation scheme is ongood soils.Figure 24. Block I soilsSchedulingEffective scheduling ensures that the correct amount of water is applied at the right time andthe correct place. As a scheduling method Maphobeni Farmers Association is using the giveand take method. This method utilizes long term evaporation means and rainfall is accountedthrough rain gauge readings. There is no scheduling tool to accurately determine the amountof water to be applied with every irrigation.Results from the discharge test were used to calculate the amount of water applied to thecrop. The following schematic was developed for phase one irrigation system;Given:8 hours every 6 daysThus: 8 Standing time (hours)6 Cycle length (days)Maphobeni Farmers Association Report - 2009 Page - 49 -