الموارد المائية وأثرها في زراعة محصول القمح في محافظة ديالى للمدة من (2010-2020)

Abstract

This research aims to study water resources and their impact on determining the agricultural area and its reflection on the quantity and quality of wheat production in Diyala Governorate, as wheat is one of the most strategic crops cultivated on a large scale. The total area of arable land in the governorate is (7 million dunams), with the area allocated for wheat cultivation reaching (637,847 dunams) according to the 2020 agricultural plan—the highest percentage during the research period. This percentage varies depending on the agricultural plan, which is based on the available water resources in Diyala Governorate. It is noteworthy that one dunam of wheat requires approximately 1,625 m³ of water for irrigation from the growth period until maturity, relying on surface irrigation systems. Irrigation is carried out in spaced batches as needed. The most common irrigation method in the region is surface irrigation, dependent on irrigation projects in Diyala Governorate. This is because most of the governorate’s climate falls within the arid zone, with rainfall rates below 200 mm annually, making it impossible to rely solely on rainfall for agriculture—except in the northeastern parts of the governorate, where the average annual rainfall reaches about 400 mm. While this amount is sufficient for wheat cultivation, the fluctuation in rainfall quantity and timing makes it unreliable for consistent agricultural practices.