Water loss is one of the typical but challenging problems in water management. To reduced water loss or increase water efficiency, the pilot projects were implemented in the TTD's irrigation area. Modern soil moisture technology and local level water user training were conducted together as a mean to achieve improved water efficiency. In terms of technology, soil moisture sensors and monitoring system were used to estimate crop water requirement to reduce unnecessary irrigation. This was found to save 16.47% of irrigated water and 25.20% of irrigation supply. Further improvement of water efficiency was gained by means of local level water user training in which stakeholders were engaged in the network of communications and co-planning. The lessons learnt from the TTD pilot project was translated into good water management practices at local level.
The author would like to express sincere thanks to RID staff for their collaborations during the research Program and to our SRPW research members (Dr. Panuwat P. and Mr. Chinuwat M.) who conducted field works in TTD Project and provided valuable research results. We also would like to thank Chualongkorn University for providing research facilities and NRCT for research granting to our Spearhead Research Program on Water Management