EFFICIENCY OF DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEMS IN IMPROVING WATER USE IN ARID REGIONS

Abstract

Water scarcity is one of the most serious challenges affecting agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. This study examined the efficiency of drip irrigation systems in improving water use, crop yield, soil moisture retention, and economic returns under arid climatic conditions. The results showed that drip irrigation substantially reduced total irrigation water application compared with conventional surface irrigation while maintaining better moisture availability in the root zone. Drip-irrigated plots recorded higher water productivity, improved application efficiency, and better crop yield performance, indicating that precise and localized water delivery can reduce water losses through evaporation, runoff, and deep percolation. The findings also showed that drip irrigation helped control soil salinity by maintaining more stable moisture conditions and reducing salt accumulation near the active root zone. Economic analysis further indicated that although drip irrigation requires higher initial investment, the system produced greater net returns due to reduced water use, improved yield, and better resource efficiency. Overall, the study confirms that drip irrigation is an effective and sustainable irrigation strategy for improving agricultural water management in arid regions.