ISHS Acta Horticulturae 278: Symposium on Scheduling of Irrigation for Vegetable Crops under Field Condition
WATERMELON FIELD IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT USING THE CROP WATER STRESS INDEX |
| Authors: | D.J. Garrot Jr, D.T. Ray, M. Livingston, D.D. Fangmeier, S.H. Husman |
| Abstract:
Measurements of plant water stress combined with more efficient water delivery systems enable growers to maximize crop yields through better irrigation management. Proper irrigation scheduling can produce economic, and often higher yields, with lesser applied water than with traditional irrigation practices. In this study the Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI), which quantifies plant stress on a numerical scale, and drip irrigation, a water conserving delivery system, were combined to determine the relationship between the CWSI and watermelon size and number, yield, and total applied water. Replicated field plots, in Tucson, Arizona, USA, of ‘Calsweet’ watermelons were irrigated at water stress levels as determined by the CWSI. In 1986, there were two irrigation treatments of either low or high water stress. The low water stressed plots required significantly more applied water, but produced a greater number of melons and out-yielded the high water stressed plots. In 1987, 3 water stress levels (high, medium, and low) were maintained. The low water stressed plots again required more applied water, but this year there were no significant differences between treatments in number of melons per hectare, melon weight, or yield. In 1986, the CWSI at irrigation was positively correlated with number of melons (r=0.85) and yield (r=0.80) and in 1987, the CWSI at irrigation was positively correlated with applied water (r=0.79), melon weight (r=0.81), and melon yield (r=0.67). These data indicate the CWSI to be a practical method by which to schedule irrigations. | |
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