Thesis (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1994

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Civil Engineering

Impact of irrigation on sugar cane was evaluated by considering the soil-water-climatic environment and the effectiveness of irrigation and drainage improvements. A geographical information system (GIS) is a tool for classifying sugar cane field based on soil and irrigation information. Water and climate factors were studied by simulating soilwater balance. Water requirement of sugar cane was estimated from climatic demand by Penman method, supplements were rainfall and irrigation water. Irrigation and drainage improvements were assessed by considering the analyzed data and the results of survey and interview. The results reveal that sugar cane is generally cultivated in loam soil and less drainage problem field. According to the present conditions of farming practice and cropping calendar, rainfall variation has the most effect on sugar cane yield during May to August. Irrigation and drainage improvements enable farmers to mitigate damage caused by drought and inundation. However, the improvements are not clearly reflected in yield, owing to farmers are not fully utilized them.