Demonstrate how to implement the AWD technique using field water tube
The threshold of 15-20 cm water depth (below the surface) before irrigation is called ‘Safe AWD” as this will not cause any yield decline. Below this depth, possible yield penalty occurs. In Safe AWD, water savings are in the order of 15-30%. After creating confidence that Safe AWD does not reduce yield, farmers may experiment by lowering the threshold level for irrigation to 20, 25, 30 cm depth, or even deeper. Lowering the threshold level for irrigation will increase the water savings, but some yield penalty may occur. Such a yield penalty may be acceptable when the price of water is high or when water is very scarce.
Here’s how safe AWD can be implemented in your ricefields.
Click on each of the stages. As the irrigate button appears, click on it to irrigate the field.
Before flowering
Flowering Stage
After Flowering
For actual implementation of safe AWD, view the video below.
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Click on the play button to watch the video. |
Activities/ Readings/ Journal
What do you think about safe AWD? Try it out in your ricefields and teach farmers in your localities.
Now that you know how to implement safe AWD, we can now proceed with the benefits of AWD.