Theoretical part
1. Introduction (hydrologic cycle, importance of irrigation, irrigation in Greece, sustainable agricultural water use
2. Soil and water relationship
3. Soil water and plant relationship
5. Crop water needs (evapotranspiration, calculation methods, crop coefficients, crop irrigation needs)
6. Irrigation planning (irrigation dose, range, etc)
7. Irrigation water quality
8. Irrigation methods. Selection Criteria. Advantages and disadvantages of irrigation systems
9. Irrigation efficiency. Irrigation water management in Greece (institutional framework, Land Reclamation Organizations, management problems)
10. Principles of agricultural land drainage
11. Irrigation practices in vineyards, olives, kiwi and vegetables
12. Irrigation practices in citrus, deciduous trees, maize and cotton
13. Innovative irrigation techniques (deficit irrigation, partial rhizosphere drying, precision irrigation)
Laboratory exercises
1. Determination of soil moisture
2. Determination of soil water velocity and parameters of ground water movement
3. Quality parameters of irrigation water (hydraulic conductivity, pH)
4. Irrigation network connection components
5. Construction of a small irrigation network
6. Irrigation water losses
7. Getting to know the FAO's software "The ETo calculator" for the calculation of evapotranspiration
8. Determination of plants water status by direct and indirect techniques
9. Study of the effects of water scarcity on different types of plants growing in containers
10. Calculation of irrigation dose, duration and range for specific crops
12. Use of irrigation network for the fertilization of crops (fertigation)
13. Use of irrigation network for weed control (herbigation)
A combination of teaching and learning methods will be used, aiming at the active participation of the students and the practical application of the thematic units under examination; there will also be lectures using audiovisual media, discussions, and analyses of case studies on real business issues, experiential (group) activities, as well as projections of relevant videos.
The students will also undertake an individual or group project.
Furthermore, articles, audiovisual lecture materials, web links/addresses, useful information, case studies and exercises for further practice are posted in digital form on the AUA Open e-Class platform
The course aims at acquiring basic knowledge on sustainable water resources management and on irrigation planning and application.
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
- understand the basic concepts of the hydrological cycle, water sources and the soil-plant-atmosphere relationship
- understand and handle issues related to sustainable management and application of irrigation water
- calculate the crops’ water needs
- recognize the components of an irrigation network as well as their use and connection
- select and install the most suitable irrigation system
understand the basic concepts and importance of drainage in agriculture
Suggested Bibliography in Greek Language:
Χαρτζουλάκης, Κ.Σ. (2019). Η άρδευση των καλλιεργειών: Μέθοδοι, σχεδιασμός, καινοτόμες τεχνικές, ανάγκες σε νερό, ποιότητα νερού, εφαρμογές. Εκδόσεις ΑγροΤύπος, Αθήνα
Τερζίδης, Γ.Α., Παπαζαφειρίου, Ζ.Γ. (1997). Γεωργική Υδραυλική. Εκδόσεις Ζήτη. Θεσσαλονίκη
Παπαζαφειρίου, Γ.Ζ. (1999). Οι ανάγκες σε νερό των καλλιεργειών. Εκδόσεις Ζήτη, Θεσσαλονίκη
Παπαμιχαήλ, Μ.Δ., Μπαμπατζιμόπουλος, Σ.Χ. (2014). Εφαρμοσμένη Γεωργική Υδραυλική. Εκδόσεις Ζήτη, Θεσσαλονίκη
Πουλοβασίλης, Α. (2010). Εισαγωγή στις αρδεύσεις. Εκδόσεις Έμβρυο, Αθήνα
Τσακίρης, Γ. (2006). Υδραυλικά Έργα: Σχεδιασμός & Διαχείριση. Τόμος ΙΙ: Εγγειοβελτιωτικά Έργα. Εκδόσεις Συμμετρία, Αθήνα
Suggested Bibliography in English Language:
Bartram, J., Ballance, R. (1996). Water Quality Monitoring: A Practical Guide to the Design and Ιmplementation of Freshwater Quality Studies and Monitoring Programmes. Taylor & Francis, UK
Ali, M.H. (2010). Fundamentals of irrigation and on farm water management. Springer-Verlag, NY
Waller, P., Yitayew, M. (2015). Irrigation and Drainage Engineering. Springer International Publishing, Switzerland
FAO (2002). Irrigation Manual: Surface Irrigation Systems, Volume II, Module 7. Harare.
FAO (2002). Irrigation Manual: Sprinkler Irrigation Systems, Volume III, Module 8. Harare.
FAO (2002). Irrigation Manual: Localized Irrigation Systems, Volume IV, Module 9. Harare.
Related academic Journals:
Agricultural Water Management
Irrigation Science
Irrigation and Drainage
International Journal of Irrigation and Water Management
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Instructor's Notes
