ISHS Acta Horticulturae 278: Symposium on Scheduling of Irrigation for Vegetable Crops under Field Condition
SCHEDULING IRRIGATION: STATE-OF-THE-ART WITH A VIEW TO THE FUTURE |
| Author: | R.J. Reginato |
| Abstract:
Where ever irrigation is practiced, a primary concern of the grower is to apply water to a crop when it is needed and in the proper amount. Crop productivity is directly related to soil water availability, and proper timing of irrigations will ensure the maintenance of an adequate soil water regime. Three major approaches to schedule irrigations are currently in use by growers: using the soil, the plants and the atmosphere. The first two are generally site specific, and many samples are required to characterize a field or farm, while the atmospheric approach is not crop specific but can assess irrigation needs over larger areas. The use of remote sensing techniques, however, has demonstrated promise in extending soil and plant measurements to fields, farms and regions. Applying water to plants at the proper time, that is scheduling irrigations, is only one component in the irrigation of crops. Not only must we know when to irrigate plants, we must also know how much water to apply, and then to be able to apply that amount in an efficient manner. This conference deals with the first part of the process, knowing when plants need water. Scientific approaches to irrigation scheduling are based on three major approaches: using the soil, the plants and the atmosphere. Each approach has its cadre of supporters, but it is important to look at the advantages and disadvantages of each, so that a user can decide which might best suit his/her needs. In this process, it is desirable to investigate the complexity and ease of use of equipment utilized in each of the approaches. Any technique for scheduling irrigations must have "early warning" capabilities, i.e., alert the farmer early enough so that a decision can be made when to irrigate and to be able to obtain the water in a timely fashion. For the purpose of this discussion, some well-used techniques as well as new ones, which have not yet become commonplace, will be discussed. Additionally, a view of where I see irrigation scheduling in the future will be presented. | |
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