Optimising cultivation while consuming less :
Precision irrigation solutions open up new prospects for potato cultivation in Morocco
In Morocco, despite the predominant use of traditional irrigation systems, increasing pressure on water resources is now prompting farmers to turn to more efficient and sustainable solutions. Precision irrigation systems are increasingly attracting the attention of agricultural producers, as they offer significant savings in terms of water and energy while reducing the use of fertilisers. This article examines the benefits and growing popularity of drip irrigation solutions for potato production in Morocco.
In Morocco, agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater resources. However, population growth, prolonged periods of drought and climatic variations have exacerbated water shortages in recent years.
The agricultural sector accounts for around 85 % of the country's total water consumption, so assessing the efficiency of irrigation practices is crucial to ensuring sustainable management of water resources. While traditional sprinkler irrigation systems can cause up to 60 % of water losses, precision irrigation systems, if properly designed and installed, can reduce these losses to just 5 %.
"When it comes to growing potatoes, drip irrigation saves at least 20 to 30 % of water and energy," explains Mohamed Benali, an irrigation specialist in Morocco. "In other words, while you can irrigate an area of 200 hectares with sprinklers, you can irrigate an area of at least 250 hectares using the same amount of water with drip systems."
Precision irrigation for potato production in Morocco
Morocco has great agricultural diversity, with huge areas suitable for growing many types of crops. Despite varied climatic conditions, including periods of drought, agriculture is a vital sector and a key component of the national economy.
The potato is one of the main agricultural crops in Morocco and has grown significantly in recent years, offering a major opportunity for farmers to increase production and improve their incomes. However, to improve potato production in Morocco, efficient irrigation techniques are needed, due to the scarcity of water resources.
Against this backdrop, one of the leading potato growers in the Souss-Massa region, which is one of Morocco's most important agricultural areas, decided to invest in a water-saving precision irrigation system for his potato fields, covering an area of 5,000 hectares. The farmer chose drip systems because of the positive evaluations from fellow farmers and his previous successful experience with these systems.
The drip irrigation systems were supplied and installed by a company specialising in irrigation equipment in Morocco. Installation began in early spring and was completed in around three weeks.
More than 5,000,000 metres of 16 mm drip pipes with emitters spaced 30 centimetres apart and a flow rate of 1.8 litres/hour were used.
The agricultural sector accounts for around 85 % of the country's total water consumption, so assessing the efficiency of irrigation practices is crucial to ensuring sustainable management of water resources. While traditional sprinkler irrigation systems can cause up to 60 % of water losses, precision irrigation systems, if properly designed and installed, can reduce these losses to just 5 %.
"When it comes to growing potatoes, drip irrigation saves at least 20 to 30 % of water and energy," explains Mohamed Benali, an irrigation specialist in Morocco. "In other words, while you can irrigate an area of 200 hectares with sprinklers, you can irrigate an area of at least 250 hectares using the same amount of water with drip systems."