For the experiments, micro sprinkler systems were installed in two commercial mango orchards. Three irrigation scheduling methods were applied: full irrigation (FI) as calculated based on climatic water balance, deficit irrigation (DI), and farmer-controlled scheduling. In order to estimate the impact of using micro sprinklers, the fourth treatment consisted of farmer-controlled scheduling and the use of water hose manually placed under the trees, as an applied practice.
Cost-benefit analyses show that an investment in a micro sprinkler system can be recommended. As the marketable yield of fruits can be increased substantially (31 % increase in class I fruits larger 300 g) with improved irrigation, especially during a drought year, it is worthwhile to change traditional irrigation into modern, water-efficient, and flexible systems. DI increases the crop water productivity substantially and stabilizes yield during drought. The profit can be increased by 55 % under FI with micro sprinklers. This study shows clearly that an introduction in the volumetric water price alone will not have an impact on a farmer's profit in the observed area. Therefore, it is questionable whether the introduction of a water price alone would stimulate the farmer to change his or her behavior in consumption.