Irrigation water distribution in the communities of the UCICMA – Imbabura

Abstract

The distribution of irrigation water according to the cultivated area and the crop water requirements is important in the processes of socialization and debate to generate equitable distribution of water among the indigenous communities of Ecuador. The present study consisted of determining the maximum area of ​​irrigation according to the crop water requirements and the discharge delivered to propose an alternative for irrigation water distribution among the 12 communities of the Unión de Comunidades Indígenas y Campesinos de Mariano Acosta (UCICMA). To calculate the crop water requirements, the following methodology was used: potential evapotranspiration (Penman Monteith), effective precipitation (SCS), crop coefficient (FAO 56), cultivation areas, planting dates and vegetative cycle (by surveys) and soil information (from studies conducted in the area). The main results of the study are: i) the continuous fictitious flow rate was about 0.58 l s^-1 ha^-1; ii) to irrigate the total area of the 12 communities a discharge of 950.55 l s^-1 is required; iii) considering the discharge assigned of 360 l s^-1, the maximum area that can be technically irrigated is about 619.96 ha. The main conclusion of the study is that the assigned discharge of 360 l s^-1 will cover an irrigation area of 619.96 ha, corresponding to 37% of the potential irrigable area of the UCICMA.