Mango is a major fruit crop in Yemen which occupies 38% of the total area of fruit cultivation in Yemen. The most irrigation practices in mango farms are basin irrigation with low efficiency, only 1% of area crops used modern method (bubbler, drip and sprinkler). The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the bubbler system (traditional bubbler system) and to compare it with a surface irrigation system to improve the farm water management. Four irrigation durations (15, 20, 30, 40 min) were compared. The same criteria were analyzed for each duration (average volumetric water content; coefficient of uniformity; stored water in the soil profile; deep percolation rate; application efficiency; water saving). Soil samples were taken before irrigation, at the end of irrigation, approximately 24 and 48 h after of irrigation for each irrigation duration. ANOVA was done by Tukey (SPSS), the P-value was 0.012 (P<0.05). The results indicated that the duration of 20 min with water supplied 1600L was more appropriate with an average volumetric water content 23%, coefficient of uniformity85%, application efficiency 67%, the deep percolation rate 47%, water required per hectare every season 18236m3and irrigation intervals 6-11 days. The water saved 29% compared to the basin irrigation system.

Keywords: mango” Tommy Atkins”; bubbler irrigation; irrigation duration; irrigation scheduling; saving water; ANOVA.