Rehabilitation and modernization of irrigation plots for current operating conditions

Abstract

The optimal exploitation of irrigation systems after 1989 imposed a series of conditions determined by the political regime, the form of land ownership, the labor shortage and the influence of climate change in the last period of time. Irrigation plots in Romania, basic components of large irrigation systems built before 1989, are in an advanced wear phase and no longer meet the current technical requirements in terms of management. A requirement for the existence of an irrigation system is dictated by the presence of viable water sources in terms of volume and permanence during the irrigation season. The form of private ownership of agricultural land imposed a restructuring of irrigated areas according to the way of association of owners. Climate change coupled with labor shortages in the agricultural sector has necessitated the adoption of irrigation methods that reduce the rate of irrigation and use automated irrigation equipment. The paper aims to present a series of directions for refurbishment and modernization of irrigation plots based on studies and research conducted in irrigation systems in Moldova.