Irrigation in the Jordan Valley and the Workplan

Of the Jordan Component

Deficit Irrigation for the Mediterranean

Agricultural System-DIMAS

Project No. ICA3-2003-509087

By

Muhammad R. Shatanawi and Sawsan al-Naber

Presented for the

Kick-off Meeting of the Project

Held at

Department of Agronomy, University of Cordoba

Cordoba, Spain

29 September – 2 ocotber, 2004

BackgroundBackground

Jordan is a semi arid country located in the east of Jordan is a semi arid country located in the east of the Mediterranean. Bordered by Syria to the north, the Mediterranean. Bordered by Syria to the north, Saudi Arabia to the south. Iraq and Saudi Arabia to Saudi Arabia to the south. Iraq and Saudi Arabia to the east’ and Palestine and Israel to the west.the east’ and Palestine and Israel to the west.

Area:Area: 89.400 Km289.400 Km2Population:Population: 5.48 million 5.48 million

as of 2003as of 2003GDP:GDP: 1670 USD1670 USDPopulation growth:Population growth: 2.84%2.84%

PhysiographyPhysiographyJordan can be divided into three distinct regions:Jordan can be divided into three distinct regions:

1.1. The Jordan Rift Valley (JRV):The Jordan Rift Valley (JRV): it is part of the it is part of the Great Rift Valley; JRV run from lake Taberia to the Great Rift Valley; JRV run from lake Taberia to the Gulf of Aqaba. The Jordan Valley is part of the JRV Gulf of Aqaba. The Jordan Valley is part of the JRV (Lake Taberia-Dead Sea).(Lake Taberia-Dead Sea).

2.2. The PateauThe Pateau: Consists of the mountains and the : Consists of the mountains and the upland plains with elevation ranging from 300m to upland plains with elevation ranging from 300m to 1200m. Average annual precipitation is 300mm.1200m. Average annual precipitation is 300mm.

3.3. The Steppe area and the desertThe Steppe area and the desert: It represent : It represent about 90% of the country. Rainfall ranges from 35 about 90% of the country. Rainfall ranges from 35 mm to 200 mmmm to 200 mm

Agricultural AreasAgricultural Areas

The total area that can be put into The total area that can be put into cultivation through rainfed is cultivation through rainfed is approximated at 0.38 million hectars approximated at 0.38 million hectars representing about 4% of the area of the representing about 4% of the area of the countrycountry

The actual cultivated rainfed has reached The actual cultivated rainfed has reached 0.26 million hectars in 20030.26 million hectars in 2003

The irrigated area is about 76,000 haThe irrigated area is about 76,000 ha

ClimateClimate• Jordan climate can be calssified as a Semi-Jordan climate can be calssified as a Semi-

desert area. Summer maximum temperatures desert area. Summer maximum temperatures average 32average 32o o C for the highlands and 38 C for the highlands and 38 ooC for C for the Jordan Valley and the eastern deserts.the Jordan Valley and the eastern deserts.

• Winter temperature range from 1-17Winter temperature range from 1-17o o C in the C in the highlands and the desert areas, and 8-21 highlands and the desert areas, and 8-21 ooC C in the Jordan Valley.in the Jordan Valley.

• The raining season in Jordan extends from The raining season in Jordan extends from October to April, with peak taking place October to April, with peak taking place during January and February.during January and February.

Water ResourcesWater Resources

Jordan is considered among few countries of Jordan is considered among few countries of

the world with limited water sources. The the world with limited water sources. The

per capita share of water is less than 170 per capita share of water is less than 170

mm33/c/day. The share will drop to less than /c/day. The share will drop to less than

100 m100 m33/c/day in 25 years from now when the /c/day in 25 years from now when the

population is doubled. The agricultural population is doubled. The agricultural

sector will be the most affected sector in the sector will be the most affected sector in the

country.country.

Potential Water ResourcesPotential Water ResourcesUsable Surface WaterUsable Surface Water 375-505 MCM375-505 MCM

Out of 690 MCMOut of 690 MCM

Groundwater (Safe Groundwater (Safe yield)yield)

430-280 MCM430-280 MCM

Lower JordanLower Jordan 0-30 MCM0-30 MCM

Non-renewable Non-renewable GroundwaterGroundwater

70-130 MCM70-130 MCM

Treated WastewaterTreated Wastewater 65-200 MCM65-200 MCM

Treaty WaterTreaty Water 25-50 MCM25-50 MCM

Desalinized Brackish Desalinized Brackish WaterWater

0-70 MCm0-70 MCm

TOTALTOTAL 965-1265 MCM965-1265 MCM

Water Use per Sector in Jordan (1985-Water Use per Sector in Jordan (1985-2002)2002)Uses in MCM

Irrigation Year Municipal Industrial Ground Surface

Other Uses

Total Uses

1985 116.00 22.00 204.00 292.85 4.00 638.85 1986 134.70 23.00 204.00 252.24 5.00 618 .94 1987 150.40 23.50 243.00 322.46 5.00 744.36 1988 164.70 39.22 289.20 318.71 4.77 816.60 1989 169.77 36.30 315.40 302.95 5.92 830.34 1990 175.57 36.64 329.44 322.59 5.26 869.50 1991 173.23 41.83 325.93 287.26 4.82 833.07 1992 206.64 34.78 332.70 367.77 8.84 950.73 1993 213.54 33.25 341.10 385.34 10.35 983.58 1994 215.82 24.45 305.91 349.35 13.32 908.84 1995 239.85 32.57 285.92 311.05 9.46 878.22 1996 236.36 35.76 289.69 308.18 11.79 881.78 1997 235.63 37.24 266.19 325.49 11.11 875.66 1998 236 .00 38.11 258.35 353.34 11.74 897.54 1999 240.00 40.00 255.00 295.00 10.00 840.00 2000 260.00 45.00 265.00 275.00 11.50 856.50 2001 275.50 45.00 256.00 315.00 11.60 903.50 2002 285.00 47.00 263.00 325.00 15.00 935.00

Water Supply and Requirements Water Supply and Requirements (MCM/year)(MCM/year)

YearYear Total Total requiremenrequiremen

tsts

Total Total SupplySupply

DeficitDeficit

19981998 12051205 898898 -307-307

20052005 13211321 10421042 -279-279

20102010 14361436 12501250 -186-186

20152015 15361536 12831283 -254-254

20202020 16471647 12871287 -360-360World Bank (2001)

Meeting Water DeficitMeeting Water DeficitThe growing deficit of water in Jordan is serious The growing deficit of water in Jordan is serious problem. Decision makers and policy planners should problem. Decision makers and policy planners should consider several options to alleviate the problem consider several options to alleviate the problem such as:such as:1. Demand management option including:

improving irrigation efficiencies and reducing municipal water losses; Deficit irrigation; adopting rational cropping pattern.

2. Securing additional water supply: Desalination of water for M & I, water importation, enhancing water supply in form of water harvesting and artifical recharge.

3. Reuse of reclaimed wastewater: This requires good water treatment to a level acceptable for unrestricted irrigation.

Irrigation in JordanIrrigation in Jordan

Areas developed for irrigated agricultural Areas developed for irrigated agricultural

amounts to approximately 76.000 ha. Of this amounts to approximately 76.000 ha. Of this

total 33,000 ha are in the Jordan Valley and the total 33,000 ha are in the Jordan Valley and the

southern Ghors which are primary developed by southern Ghors which are primary developed by

the Government. The rest of the irrigated area of the Government. The rest of the irrigated area of

about 43,000 ha have been developed by the about 43,000 ha have been developed by the

private sector in the plateau and the Badia private sector in the plateau and the Badia

regions depending mainly on groundwater.regions depending mainly on groundwater.

Irrigation DevelopmentIrrigation Development• Historically, irrigation in Jordan was Historically, irrigation in Jordan was

concentrated around springs and along river concentrated around springs and along river and wadi beds where the traditional surface and wadi beds where the traditional surface irrigation was applied.irrigation was applied.

• Early 1960, the government of Jordan put Early 1960, the government of Jordan put high priority in development large irrigation high priority in development large irrigation projects starting with building the East Ghor projects starting with building the East Ghor canal. canal.

• In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the private sector got involved in the private sector got involved in the development of ground water for irrigation development of ground water for irrigation either by individuals or through agricultural either by individuals or through agricultural companies.companies.

• Irrigation projects in Jordan can be Irrigation projects in Jordan can be classifies into two categories:classifies into two categories:

1.1. Public irrigation projects in the Public irrigation projects in the Jordan Rift ValleyJordan Rift Valley

2.2. The irrigation in the upland and the The irrigation in the upland and the desert.desert.

Irrigation in the Jordan Rift Irrigation in the Jordan Rift ValleyValley

The JRV consist of:The JRV consist of:

1.1. The Jordan valley irrigation Project (the The Jordan valley irrigation Project (the study area). The arable land in the JV is study area). The arable land in the JV is about 36,000 ha. Due to limited water about 36,000 ha. Due to limited water availability only 28,000 ha are irrigated.availability only 28,000 ha are irrigated.

2.2. The southern Ghors: The irrigated area in The southern Ghors: The irrigated area in SG is about 5000 ha with potential SG is about 5000 ha with potential increase to 6500 ha.increase to 6500 ha.

Water resources in the Jordan valley for Water resources in the Jordan valley for

the period 1997-2000the period 1997-2000 MCM/Year Source

1997 1998 1999 2000

Yarmouk to canal 99.7 100.4 62.9 54.6 Tabaria 47.9 55.9 41.9 54.5 Mukheibeh 15.1 15.02 16.3 18.0 Arab Dam 0 - 0.7 0.3 Wadi Arab - 0.2 0.1 0 Ziglab Dam 0 0 0 0 Wadi Ziglab 3.9 6.2 6.2 5.2 Wadi Taibeh 0 0 0 Wadi Abu Zaid 0.7 0.4 4.5 Wadi Jurum 4.9 2.7 0.6 Wadi Yabis

6.5

2.9 0.1 5.0 Wadi Kufranja - 8.9 2.0 5.0 Wadi Rajib - 6.5 1.7 3.5 Zarqa River 71.5 73 67.1 77.3 Wadi Mallah - 0 0 1.7 Wadi Shuib 5.7 4.2 4.3 4.7 Wadi Kafrein 13.0 11.2 6.5 8.0 Wadi Hisban 1.7 2.2 1.7 1.5 Total 265.0 292 215 240 To Amman 38.6 30.4 41.4 41.2

Irrigated Crops in the Jordan valleyIrrigated Crops in the Jordan valley

Non-Irrigated

Irrigated Area Total Area

Fruit Trees

Field Crops

Vegetables Total Fruit Trees

Field Crops

Vegetables Total Fruit Trees

Field Crops

Vegetables Total

1992 574.0 1426.2 264.7 2264.9

1993 570.7 1801.6 273.2 2645.5

1994 695.9 1177.2 313.2 2186.3

1995 478.7 1387.9 36.9 1903.5 228.4 111.8 392.4 732.6 707.1 1499.7 429.3 2636.1

1996 482.8 1105.9 13.0 1601.7 236.0 106.1 258.5 600.6 718.8 1212.0 271.5 2202.3

1997 501.4 1476.4 25.1 2002.9 330.1 131.7 277.7 739.5 831.5 1608.1 302.8 2742.4

1998 509.7 1601.9 20.4 2132.0 336.8 117.2 317.7 771.7 846.5 1719.1 338.0 2903.6

1999 517.6 1730.1 19.3 2267.0 339.7 109.7 338.1 787.5 857.3 1839.9 357.4 3054.6

2000 519.7 1043.4 16.4 1579.5 238.2 43.4 138.8 420.4 757.9 1086.8 155.2 1999.9

2001 524.5 1301.1 4.3 1829.9 353.2 79.9 301.3 734.4 877.7 1381.0 305.6 2564.3

Crop

Production Number of

Bearing Trees

Total Numbers of

Trees

Area (Du)

Citrus Fruit 136.62 2105 2279 77.48 Olives 65.82 5335 8512 641.01 Grapes 25.91 1756 2205 37.87 Figs 1.73 141 181 5.67 Almonds 1.00 149 175 4.78 Peaches 8.07 534 681 16.14 Plums, prunes 2.91 212 271 6.50 Apricots 3.03 353 340 7.84 Apples 37.13 1921 2759 39.63 Pomegranates 3.89 140 163 3.96 Pears 0.92 96 123 2.63 Guava 2.23 73 79 1.76 Dates 1.42 36 44 2.64 Bananas 24.32 2214 2506 23.59 Nectarines 0.93 51 53 1.20 Cherry 0.84 70 81 1.90 Others 2.44 137 152 3.09

Total 319.21 15.224 20605 877.69

Area, number, and production of Fruit trees in Jordan 2001 (Production in thousand

tons)

Irrigation management in the Jordan Irrigation management in the Jordan ValleyValley

• The JV irrigation project is a public scheme controlled The JV irrigation project is a public scheme controlled and managed by Jordan valley Authority (JVA).and managed by Jordan valley Authority (JVA).

• The land under irrigation is divided into farm units of The land under irrigation is divided into farm units of 3-4 ha each. Each farm is provided with water 3-4 ha each. Each farm is provided with water through farm intake (FTA).through farm intake (FTA).

• Water is conveyed from different sources through the Water is conveyed from different sources through the main canal (King Abdullah Canal, KAC).main canal (King Abdullah Canal, KAC).

• More than 90% of the area receive irrigation water More than 90% of the area receive irrigation water through pressurized pipes.through pressurized pipes.

• The pressure head is provided from pumping stations The pressure head is provided from pumping stations along KAC or utilizing the natural head of higher along KAC or utilizing the natural head of higher elevation dams.elevation dams.

The most common on-farm irrigation The most common on-farm irrigation system is micro irrigation, which system is micro irrigation, which covers about 64% of the Jordan covers about 64% of the Jordan Valley area. Very limited number of Valley area. Very limited number of farms use sprinkler irrigation while farms use sprinkler irrigation while the rest (about 35%) are still using the rest (about 35%) are still using the conventional surface irrigation the conventional surface irrigation that is practiced in citrus and banana that is practiced in citrus and banana farmsfarms

Irrigation Systems

The Division of Operation and Maintenance of JVA The Division of Operation and Maintenance of JVA is in charge of irrigation water management. is in charge of irrigation water management. Farmers in the Jordan Valley submit their Farmers in the Jordan Valley submit their irrigation request for their units early in the irrigation request for their units early in the morning to ten stage offices distributed along the morning to ten stage offices distributed along the Valley. The requests are processed according to Valley. The requests are processed according to supplies fed from KAC or others irrigation supplies fed from KAC or others irrigation projects. Demands are compared with supplies projects. Demands are compared with supplies and irrigation schedules are issued to ditch riders and irrigation schedules are issued to ditch riders who open the lateral turnouts of open channel who open the lateral turnouts of open channel system or farm turnouts or intakes of piped system or farm turnouts or intakes of piped irrigation systems.irrigation systems.

Irrigation Water Management

Releases from dams are then determined taken into consideration the target level until the end of the season. In the daily water balance, uncontrolled resources (flows from Yarmouk & others side Wadis) are first used starting from south to north, then controlled resources according to per-defined schedules also from south to north. Excess water in KAC is stored in Wadi Arab Dam by back pumping. 50 MCM are pumped to Amman for municipal and industrial uses

Release Control

The frequent occurrence of drought especially during recent years has put many constraints on irrigated agriculture in the Jordan Valley. The JVA has taken certain management practices and measures to ease the problem

Draught Measures

Long Term MeasuresLong Term Measures1.1. Increase the volume and number of storage facilities Increase the volume and number of storage facilities

by constructing new dams and enlarging the by constructing new dams and enlarging the capacities of existing ones;capacities of existing ones;

2.2. Plan for a dynamic cropping pattern by limiting the Plan for a dynamic cropping pattern by limiting the area of perennial crops and fruit trees to less than area of perennial crops and fruit trees to less than 30% to allow flexible cropping pattern during drought 30% to allow flexible cropping pattern during drought years; years;

3.3. Encourage the introduction of water saving Encourage the introduction of water saving technology like the use of micro irrigation, mulches, technology like the use of micro irrigation, mulches, and protected agriculture; and protected agriculture;

4.4. Augment water resources through the use of treated Augment water resources through the use of treated wastewater and ground water during drought yearswastewater and ground water during drought years

Short Term MeasuresShort Term Measures1.1. Limit the area planted with annual crops and Limit the area planted with annual crops and

vegetables during the period of high consumption, vegetables during the period of high consumption, especially during summer months. In the years of especially during summer months. In the years of severe drought, panning is imposed on summer severe drought, panning is imposed on summer plantation; plantation;

2.2. Reduce the acreage of irrigation area through Reduce the acreage of irrigation area through reducing water allocation but allowing the reducing water allocation but allowing the irrigation of fruit trees; irrigation of fruit trees;

3.3. Enforce conservation measures thought the Enforce conservation measures thought the control of water wastes, spills and illegal uses; control of water wastes, spills and illegal uses;

4.4. Practice deficit irrigation to the extend that to Practice deficit irrigation to the extend that to keep fruit trees growing or surviving while risking keep fruit trees growing or surviving while risking the yield; the yield;

5.5. Some farmers exploit groundwater wells to Some farmers exploit groundwater wells to combat shortages of water supply in a drought combat shortages of water supply in a drought year.year.

Problems in Exciting Irrigation Problems in Exciting Irrigation ManagementManagement

• Problems related to Hydraulic Network Problems related to Hydraulic Network

DesignDesign

• Problems related to rotation schedulesProblems related to rotation schedules

• Problems related to maintenance of Problems related to maintenance of

JVA networkJVA network

• Problems linked to water allocationProblems linked to water allocation

CWR Vs Actual DeliveriesCWR Vs Actual Deliveries

JVA allocation system is based on dividing the JVA allocation system is based on dividing the year into two periods (wet period and dry year into two periods (wet period and dry period)period)

• During the wet period (December-March), During the wet period (December-March), water resources are available in abundant water resources are available in abundant quality. Irrigation needs are less. So water is quality. Irrigation needs are less. So water is distributed to farmers when they require it.distributed to farmers when they require it.

• During dry period (April-November), each crop During dry period (April-November), each crop receive a fixed allocation of water as:receive a fixed allocation of water as:8 mm/day8 mm/day for Bananafor Banana4 mm/day4 mm/day for Citrusfor Citrus2 mm/day2 mm/day for Vegetablefor Vegetable

• In case of draught years, the allocation is In case of draught years, the allocation is reduced to 50% (i.e 4,2 and 1 mm/day).reduced to 50% (i.e 4,2 and 1 mm/day).

Farmers AdaptationFarmers AdaptationFarmers have different method or ways to adapt to Farmers have different method or ways to adapt to

the situation of scarcity. Some of these ways are:the situation of scarcity. Some of these ways are:1.1. Some farmers consume more than their allocated Some farmers consume more than their allocated

water: with FTA flow higher than the nominal and water: with FTA flow higher than the nominal and with illegal openingswith illegal openings

2.2. Farmers request Extra-hours to JVA stage office: Farmers request Extra-hours to JVA stage office: this is the only flexibility that exists in the this is the only flexibility that exists in the allocation system, but there is an urgent need for allocation system, but there is an urgent need for clarified rules and more transparency.clarified rules and more transparency.

3.3. Farmers adapt their cropping pattern: For Farmers adapt their cropping pattern: For example, a share of the area stays bare to example, a share of the area stays bare to transfer its water rights to the rest of the fields.transfer its water rights to the rest of the fields.    SSome farmers have access to other resourcesome farmers have access to other resources

4.4. Water storage: Pool capacities are around 430 mWater storage: Pool capacities are around 430 m33. . Even if it is not the first function of pools, Even if it is not the first function of pools, according to farmers, it can be strategic in peak according to farmers, it can be strategic in peak periods for a complement during a short time.periods for a complement during a short time.

Part II: Work planPart II: Work plan

1.1. Project TeamProject Team

2.2. Inventory of DI practice (WP4)Inventory of DI practice (WP4)

3.3. Collection of economic data (WP5)Collection of economic data (WP5)

4.4. Field research for model testing Field research for model testing (WP3)(WP3)

5.5. Scaling of DI practices (WP6)Scaling of DI practices (WP6)

6.6. Recommendation of DI to users (WP7) Recommendation of DI to users (WP7)

Project TeamProject TeamFrom the University of JordanFrom the University of Jordan

1. Prof. Muhammad R. Shatanawi: (Water resources and irrigation), Team leader and technical person in charge.

2. Ms. Sawsan al-Naber: (Irrigated Agriculture), Administrative assistance, will be trained also on the different modules of the computer models.

3. Prof. Mostafa Qrunfleh: (Horticulture; fruit tree specialist), will be in charge of supervising field research experiments on citrus.

4. Research Assistants: will be in charge of carrying day-to-day field work with the regards to field experiments at the three locations.

From NCARTTFrom NCARTT

1.1. Dr. Abdulnabi Fardous; Director (Soil Dr. Abdulnabi Fardous; Director (Soil physics and irrigation),will facilitate physics and irrigation),will facilitate research in NCARTT research stations and research in NCARTT research stations and will carry out soil physical analysis and will will carry out soil physical analysis and will disseminate results to water agencies.disseminate results to water agencies.

2.2. Mr. Mohammed Jitan; (Ph.D. candidate in Mr. Mohammed Jitan; (Ph.D. candidate in irrigation), will supervise research in irrigation), will supervise research in NCARTT and JVA fields, will be in charge of NCARTT and JVA fields, will be in charge of collecting daily climatic data.collecting daily climatic data.

From JVFAFrom JVFA

1.1. Mr. Sulieman Ghazawi, will provide Mr. Sulieman Ghazawi, will provide site for the 3rd experiment, will site for the 3rd experiment, will help in documentation of DI, will help in documentation of DI, will surprise survey on DI invnetory, will surprise survey on DI invnetory, will disseminate results to farmers,disseminate results to farmers,

2.2. Field Researchers, will work with Field Researchers, will work with farmers in survey and inventory.farmers in survey and inventory.

Field ExperimentField Experiment• Three experiment will be conducted in three Three experiment will be conducted in three

different locations (sites) in the Jordan Valleydifferent locations (sites) in the Jordan Valley

• Site number oneSite number one::

North Shouna (private orchard) and Washington North Shouna (private orchard) and Washington Novel Orange will be used.Novel Orange will be used.

Site number twoSite number two::

Wadi El-Yabis, a government station that belongs Wadi El-Yabis, a government station that belongs to National Center for Agricultural Research and to National Center for Agricultural Research and Transfer of technology (NCARTT) and Shamouti Transfer of technology (NCARTT) and Shamouti orange will be used.orange will be used.

Site number threeSite number three::

The University of Jordan Agricultural Research The University of Jordan Agricultural Research Station, and Eureka lemon will be used.Station, and Eureka lemon will be used.

Site one

Site two

Site three

• Two citrus species and three citrus cultivars Two citrus species and three citrus cultivars will be used:will be used:CitrusCitrus sinensissinensis CV. Washington NavelCV. Washington NavelCitrusCitrus sinensissinensis CV ShamoutiCV Shamouti

CitrusCitrus limonlimon CV. EurekaCV. Eureka

• Three water regimes (treatments) of Three water regimes (treatments) of irrigation will be used:irrigation will be used:Full irrigation (FI):Full irrigation (FI): 4 mm/day4 mm/dayDeficit irrigation (DI1):Deficit irrigation (DI1): 3 mm/day3 mm/dayDeficit irrigation (DI2):Deficit irrigation (DI2): 2 mm/day2 mm/day

• For each experiment, the irrigation For each experiment, the irrigation water treatment will be represented water treatment will be represented by nine trees and four replications by nine trees and four replications (total of 108 tree) in a randomized (total of 108 tree) in a randomized complete block design (RCBD).complete block design (RCBD).

• The trees in the three sites are The trees in the three sites are reproductive six to eight years old, reproductive six to eight years old, and are five to six meters apart.and are five to six meters apart.

Thank youThank you