Investigation of crop production in stabilized sand dune using amb layer associate with drip irrigation system

Abstract

Sand dune stabilization programmes in Iran has been highly successful. A considerable portion of the active dunes in the study area has already been stabilized , and a good cover of annual and perennial species has been established. Here again this very successful program of sand dune fixation has raised another problem, once the protection is ensured, how to economically use this land. Three main possibilities may be considered: 1-production of firewood, wood and paper 2-production of pasture and animal products. 3-production of agricultural crops. Production of firewood does not appear to be an economically viable option in Iran. Light grazing has been proposed as a way of utilizing the stabilized areas of the dunes for food production. However, the delicate balance of dune system could be disrupted very easily. Thus in order to utilize the stabilized sand dune systems more efficiently, some high value crop or cash crops production is another alternative, where irrigation water is available. Dunes are equally suitable for growing cash crops but their fertility and high permeability appears to be a limiting factor. Thus to carry out this experiment AMB1 layers were spread in two different depth, namely 45 and 60 Centimeters using AMB machine. Several cash crops such as watermelons, melons, cucumbers and tomatoes were planted and irrigation treatments were set up. This experiment indicated spectacular results in the production of Charleston Gray watermelon with the yield of 50 tons/ha and Honey Drop melon with 20 ton/ha, using drip irrigation system. Sprinkler system was not suitable due to high evaporation rate of water in this region. Furthermore sand particles ejecting from soil surface during sprinkling-drop impact damaged crop leaves and consequently decreased yield. Since infiltration rate in sand dunes is very rapid, conventional irrigation methods such as flood or furrow irrigation are highly inefficient. Thus implementation of the results of this research by farmers can play an important role in increasing water use efficiency as well as their livelihood.