Water Use Morocco.pdf

Research and technology transfer in effective water use in Morocco is crucial due to water stress and rainfall fluctuations affecting crop production. The government has invested in dam construction and created regional extension services to advise farmers on water distribution. However, sound irrigation techniques must be mastered and used by farmers for substantial impact. The Blaney Criddle method for estimating potential evapotranspiration needs improvement, and other methods like Penman Monteith or Priestly Taylor should be considered. Maximum evapotranspiration and crop coefficients have been determined for various crops. Surface irrigation has been improved with rotative laser leveling and surge irrigation. Irrigation scheduling methods and critical stages for supplemental irrigation of wheat have been identified. Despite existing research, technology adoption at the farm level is lacking, and a more efficient system of technology transfer is needed. Recommendations for a more oriented research/extension program have been made.