This practice presents a way to increase the efficiency of water use by supplemental irrigation (SI) in rain fed wheat production in Morocco. Emphasize is given to the different crop growth stages of wheat and the approach of supplemental irrigation (SI). The different stages of wheat growth are explained, outlining the most appropriate approach of SI. When, how and how long should be supplemental irrigation applied to ensure a higher yield for wheat in a rain fed system in Morocco? The practice aims at answering these principal questions, next to an explanation of the basic concept of supplemental irrigation.

The practice has been tested and validated by a research campaign, conducted within the project: “Community-Based Optimization of the Management of Scarce Water Resources in Agriculture - Improving water and land productivities in rain fed systems in CWANA”. The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) conducted various on-farm trials in the Tadla region of Morocco for the identification of the best approach of supplemental irrigation for the production of the major crops.