| Abstract: |
Three main categories of taro irrigation can be recognized in the Pacific: true irrigation, swampland and pit cultivation. True irrigation refers to diversion of water from source to fields. Swampland cultivation techniques generally consist of the management by ditching of freshwater swamps. Pit cultivation is found mainly on atolls where pits are dug to tap the freshwater lens beneath the ground surface. True irrigation subsumes several different methodspondfield (paddy) irrigation, simple flooding, island beds and furrow irrigation. Labour inputs, yields and cropping cycles of the different techniques are discussed based on the authors research in Vanuatu and New Caledonia on traditional irrigation technologies used in the Pacific is stressed, particularly in assessment of yields and the conditions allowing sustained production.
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