Optimizing Drip Irrigation Systems to Enhance Water Use Efficiency and Crop Productivity in Dryland Agriculture Systems

Abstract

Drip irrigation is one of the modern irrigation technologies designed to deliver water directly to the plant's root zone so that water loss due to evaporation and runoff can be minimized. This technology is very relevant to be applied to dryland areas that have limited water resources and low rainfall levels. This study aims to analyze the optimization of the application of drip irrigation systems in improving water utilization efficiency and crop productivity on dry land. The research method uses a literature study approach by examining various national and international scientific publications that discuss drip irrigation, water use efficiency, and increasing agricultural yields. The results of the study show that drip irrigation systems are able to save water use by up to 30-60% compared to conventional irrigation, increase the efficiency of nutrient absorption by plants, and reduce the risk of water stress during the growth phase. In addition, the application of drip irrigation has been proven to increase crop yields by between 20–50%, depending on the type of crop, soil conditions, and irrigation management applied. The optimization of this system also contributes to the reduction of production costs and the increase of agricultural resilience. Thus, drip irrigation has great potential to support the sustainability of dryland farming systems in Indonesia.