Deficit Irrigation Strategies Research Articles

Cereal yield and water requirements in response to irrigation and soil fertility management in a changing climate: a case of Tulsipur, Western Nepal

ABSTRACT Climate change is projected to notably impact water requirements and crop yield; therefore, it is imperative to quantify climate risk and devise climate-resilient field management practices. This study applied the AquaCrop model to Tulsipur, a sub-metropolitan city located in Western Nepal. The model was calibrated and validated on a field scale, and various scenarios were analyses for baseline (2010–2020) and future (2021–2100) periods to formulate workable management strategies for irrigation and fertilizer applications. Results showed that a deficit irrigation strategy could lead to 81% fewer requirements for irrigation in rice and 24% in wheat at the cost of a minimal (∼1%) reduction in yield. Water requirement is projected to decrease and crop yield to increase for both crops for all future scenarios, except wheat water requirement, where water requirement is projected to increase by up to 13% in the future. Rainfed irrigation leads to extremely high variance in crop yields. Deficit irrigation under the nationally recommended fertilizer dose is recommended as a better option to develop climate resiliency in cereal yield in the study area.

Energy of Sorghum Biomass Under Deficit Irrigation Strategies in the Mediterranean Area

The growing demand for renewable energy sources and the need to optimize water use in agriculture, particularly in water-scarce regions, highlights the importance of growing species suitable for semi-arid areas, such as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). Deficit irrigation strategies allow water savings by optimizing water use efficiency. However, the potential of sorghum for bioethanol production with deficit irrigation strategies is still not well studied. This work investigates the impact of three irrigation strategies (full, deficit, and regulated deficit) on the biomass yield, ethanol production, and water use efficiency of sorghum (‘KWS Bulldozer’) in a semi-arid Mediterranean area (the Apulia region, Southeastern Italy) over three growing seasons (2013, 2014, and 2017); irrigation needs were calculated from crop evapotranspiration using standard crop coefficients and soil water content measurements. Harvested biomass was analyzed for cellulose and hemicellulose content, and ethanol production was estimated using conversion models. The full irrigation treatment resulted in the highest biomass and ethanol production in all seasons (22,633 kg × ha−1, 28,367 kg × ha−1, and 23,835 kg × ha−1, in 2013, 2014, and 2017, respectively), highlighting the relationship between a full water supply and yield optimization. However, deficit irrigation showed a higher biomass and ethanol water productivity (10.93 kg × m−3 and 3.23 L × m−3, respectively) than other treatments, suggesting that moderate irrigation strategies can effectively balance production and sustainable water use. The results suggest the importance of adjusting irrigation practices to specific environmental conditions to improve the efficiency and productivity of sorghum.

EL RIEGO DEFICITARIO INCREMENTA LA PRODUCTIVIDAD DEL AGUA EN Carica papaya L.

<p><strong>Background. </strong>In the face of the imminent global water scarcity, it is necessary to implement alternatives to make its use more efficient and ensure agricultural production with minimal expenditure. <strong>Objective.</strong> To determine physiological variables of <em>Carica papaya</em> L. under deficit irrigation (DI) which increases water productivity. <strong>Methodology.</strong> The papaya crop was established in semi-protected conditions in a shade house, in pots with a capacity of 60 kg containing sand as substrate. The treatments consisted of applying different water volumes to the substrate: Control, application of 1678 L of water per pot (maximum water retained in the substrate from 89 to 296 days after transplanting (dat), control), Treatment 1, application of 679.79 L of water per pot (41% of the maximum water retained in the substrate from 89 to 296 dat, DI-59) and Treatment 2, application of 573.6 L of water per pot (34% of the maximum water retained in the substrate from 89 to 296 dat, DI-66). The treatments were distributed in a completely randomized block experimental design with six repetitions. Treatments began at 89 and ended at 296 days after transplant (dat). <strong>Results.</strong> Stomatal conductance decreased in DI treatments; therefore, CO2 assimilation and transpiration were also negatively affected. The water potential of the leaf (Ya leaf) decreased in DI-66 with respect to the control and DI-59. However, no difference was observed between the treatments in the osmotic potential (Yo leaf) and turgor (Yp leaf) of the leaf. The proline concentration increased similarly throughout the experiment in the control and in the treatments with deficit irrigation. <strong>Implications.</strong> Water productivity increased by 2 and 2.9 times in the DI treatments compared to the control. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> The deficit irrigation strategy applied to <em>C. papaya</em> L. is relevant because it allows maximizing the productivity of irrigation water in a semi-protected system in subhumid tropic conditions.<strong></strong></p>

Optimizing Water Footprint, Productivity, and Sustainability in Southern Italian Olive Groves: The Role of Organic Fertilizers and Irrigation Management

This modeling study evaluates the combined effects of organic fertilization and irrigation regimes on olive productivity and environmental sustainability in southern Italy. Field experiments were conducted in an organic olive grove (cv. Leccino) under Mediterranean conditions, testing four organic fertilization treatments—biochar (BCH), compost (CMP), dried blood (DB), and a commercial organic fertilizer (CTR)—and two irrigation strategies. The CropWat model was employed to simulate additional irrigation scenarios, ranging from full irrigation (Full; 100% ETc) to rainfed conditions. Results showed that biochar-treated olive groves achieved the highest yields (up to 3756 kg ha−1 under full irrigation), outperforming other treatments, with yields of 3191 kg ha−1 (CMP), 2590 kg ha−1 (DB), and 2110 kg ha−1 (CTR). Deficit irrigation strategies, such as ceasing irrigation during the pit-hardening stage (Red_Farm; 1160 m3 ha−1), reduced water use by 67% compared to Full (3600 m3 ha−1) while maintaining satisfactory yields (3070 kg ha−1 vs. 2035 kg ha−1 on average across all fertilization treatments). Water footprint (WFP) analysis revealed that BCH consistently achieved the lowest WFP values (e.g., 1220 m3 t−1 under Full and 687 m3 t−1 under rainfed conditions), outperforming CTR (1605 m3 t−1), CMP (1645 m3 t−1), and DB (1846 m3 t−1) under full irrigation and 810 m3 t−1, 1219 m3 t−1, and 1147 m3 t−1 with no irrigation water supply. Incremental water productivity (IRincr) and marginal water footprint efficiency (WFPincr) further demonstrated that BCH optimized both productivity and environmental sustainability, with IRincr values of 0.55 kg m−3 and WFPincr values of 1.58 m3 kg−1 (averaged for all water regimes), better than CTR (0.40 kg m−3 and 2.14 m3 kg−1), CMP (0.46 kg m−3 and 1.93 m3 kg−1), and DB (0.38 kg m−3 and 2.32 m3 kg−1). An aggregated scoring system, based on standardized and normalized data, ranked BCH under the Red_Farm irrigation strategy as the most effective management approach, achieving the highest overall score compared to the other fertilizer treatments in combination with the different irrigation strategies, thereby balancing high yields with significant water savings.

Sap flow measurements in olive trees (Olea europaea L.) cultivar ‘Menara’ under regulated and sustained deficit irrigation strategies

Sap flow measurements in olive trees (<i>Olea europaea</i> L.) cultivar ‘Menara’ under regulated and sustained deficit irrigation strategies

Effect of Deficit Irrigation on Agronomic and Physiological Performance of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.).

Agriculture accounts for over 70% of global freshwater consumption, with increasing competition for water resources due to climate change and rising urban and industrial demands. This study analyzes the effect of deficit irrigation (DI) on the agronomic and physiological performance of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in a Mediterranean climate. Deficit irrigation strategies, including sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), were evaluated against a control with full irrigation. The research was conducted over two growing seasons (2022-2023) at the Cajamar Experimental Centre in Paiporta, Valencia, Spain. RDI strategies achieved approximately 10% water savings without compromising marketable yield or fruit weight, while SDI resulted in significant water savings (~50%) but with a notable reduction in marketable yield, particularly in hot and dry conditions. SDI also reduced tree growth in height and trunk diameter compared to RDI and control strategies. The study concludes that RDI is a viable irrigation strategy for pomegranate cultivation under water-limited conditions, whereas SDI should be reserved for situations of severe water scarcity.

Responses of cotton yield and water productivity to irrigation management: assessment of economic costs, interactive effects of deficit irrigation water and soil types

Water scarcity emerges as a prominent threat to the vegetative and reproductive phases of cotton plants. However, water deficit stress induces a reduction in stomatal conductance, altering the interplay between plant water and nutrients, and Irrigation water productivity (IWP). The relationship between IWP and cotton yield under deficit irrigation remains unclear in the irrigated area of Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. The experiment was conducted at experimental stations of Agriculture Research Institute in Tandojam at two different sites during the cotton growing season 2022. The design of this study was based on a split-plot in RCBD including five deficit water stress levels (control treatment (existing irrigation practice 75 mm of water irrigation−1), 20% drought stress of existing irrigation, 20% drought stress of existing irrigation practice at alternate irrigation (even), 30% drought stress of existing irrigation practice and 20% drought stress of existing irrigation practice at alternate irrigation) and soil types. The findings revealed significant differences in soil moisture contents (SMCs) across all treatments, with a notable reduction in plant height and yield correlating with increased water stress. Despite variations in water stress and soil types affecting the number of opened bolls, the cotton yield and IWP demonstrated a decline, though not significantly under certain irrigation treatments. Across the deficit irrigation levels, 20% drought stress of existing irrigation practice at alternate irrigation (even) could significantly decrease yield by 6% and reduce IWP by 5% as compared to control treatment. However, the maximum IWP was recorded in the silt loam as compared to silt clay loam, respectively. The validation and calibration method of the CROPGROW-DSSAT model was designed to estimate cotton yield and IWP. The substantial R2 value indicates a strong concordance between the model-calibrated and observed data, signifying the CROPGROW-DSSAT model’s ability to simulate cotton yield and WUE under deficit irrigation strategies within the specific regional climate conditions of Hyderabad. Therefore, it is suggested that the specific deficit irrigation strategies may maintain cotton yield production while reducing water usage, with variations observed between different soil types.

Enhancing ‘Mirlo Rojo’ Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Quality Through Regulated Deficit Irrigation: Effects on Antioxidant Activity, Fatty Acid Profile, and Volatile Compounds

Water scarcity is a significant global risk affecting health, food security, economic development, social stability, environmental sustainability, and climate change adaptation. Implementing deficit irrigation strategies can improve water efficiency and agricultural resilience. Spain, particularly the Region of Murcia, has pioneered apricot cultivation, with the ‘Mirlo Rojo’ variety known for its high productivity, Sharka virus resistance, and exceptional organoleptic qualities. This study evaluates the effects of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on the quality, antioxidant activity, fatty acid profile, and volatile compounds of ‘Mirlo Rojo’ apricots. Four irrigation treatments (100% ETc, 60% ETc, 33% ETc, and 0% ETc) were tested during the final growth stages in May 2023. Results showed no adverse effects on the evaluated parameters. RDI treatments increased total soluble solids, glucose, and fructose content, improving maturity and sweetness indices. RDI also enhanced phenolic content and antioxidant activity, optimizing water use without compromising fruit quality and bioactive compounds.

Optimizing water use efficiency in maize (Zea mays L.) production through deficit irrigation in Gazhen-Fuafuat Kebele, Northwest Ethiopia

Ethiopia's dominant maize production relies on rain, but growing water scarcity challenges dry season irrigation efforts. This necessitates smarter irrigation techniques to maximize water use efficiency. This study optimizes water use efficiency in maize production through deficit irrigation in Gazhen-Fuafuat kebele, Fogera woreda, Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted during the 2019/20 dry season, comparing four irrigation levels: 55%, 70%, 85%, and 100% of crop water requirements (ETc). Findings revealed that while higher irrigation levels generally enhanced plant growth and grain yield, irrigation water use efficiency was optimized at 70% ETc. Deficit irrigation at 55% ETc proved to be suboptimal, leading to significant reductions in crop growth and grain production. Conversely, applying 70% ETc resulted in a 30% reduction in irrigation water use without compromising yield. Compared to full irrigation, deficit irrigation at 85% ETc, 70% ETc, and 55% ETc resulted in yield reductions of 8%, 13.5%, and 33.1%, respectively. However, these reductions were accompanied by water savings of 15%, 30%, and 45%, respectively, leading to corresponding increases in water use efficiency of 8%, 23.4%, and 21.9%. These results suggest that deficit irrigation practices can be effectively employed to improve water use efficiency in maize production, especially in the study area facing water scarcity. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of deficit irrigation to improve maize production in Ethiopia while conserving water resources. Therefore, by implementing deficit irrigation strategies and supporting farmers with appropriate training and resources, Ethiopia can enhance its agricultural productivity and ensure food security in the face of increasing water scarcity.

Response of Onion to Deficit Irrigation Levels at Different Growth Stages on Yield and Water Productivity

The Ethiopian vegetable sub-sector, particularly onion, is crucial for the economy due to its high productivity and ease of cultivation. However, water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions hinders its expansion. This study conducted at Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center aimed to investigate the impact of deficit irrigation levels at various growth stages on onion yield and water productivity. The experiment employed a split plot design with four crop growing stages and three deficit irrigation levels. Results revealed that deficit irrigation significantly affected onion growth parameters and yield components. Bulb diameter, number of leaves per plant, and total bulb yield 5.84 cm, 6.85, 23.26 t/ha, respectively, were notably influenced by deficit irrigation levels, with the highest yields observed under full irrigation. Additionally, water use efficiency varied with deficit irrigation application timing, with the highest efficiency recorded during the maturation stage. Overall, deficit irrigation during initial and maturation stages at 55% ETc application level emerged as the most viable option, ensuring sustainable crop production in water-scarce areas. These findings underscore the importance of adopting deficit irrigation strategies to optimize water use efficiency and enhance onion yield in Ethiopia's vegetable sub-sector.

Production and postharvest quality of sour passion fruit under deficit irrigation strategies and foliar application of ascorbic acid

ABSTRACT The objective this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of ascorbic acid – AsA on the production and postharvest quality of sour passion fruit under deficit irrigation strategies. The experimental design was randomised blocks, in a split-plot scheme, with plots consisting of six strategies of irrigation with water deficit, based on crop evapotranspiration – ETc (irrigation with 100% ETc during the entire cycle – S1; irrigation with 50% ETc in the different stages: vegetative – S2; flowering – S3; fruiting – S4; and successively in the vegetative/flowering stages – S5; and vegetative/fruiting stages – S6) and three concentrations of AsA (0, 88.06 and 176.12 mg/L), with three replicates and three plants per plot. Water deficit reduces the production of sour passion fruit, regardless of the phenological stage of the plants without AsA application. Irrigation with water deficit in the flowering stage (50% of crop evapotranspiration) reduces the physical and chemical quality of sour passion fruits. Ascorbic acid in applied levels was effective in alleviating the effects of water deficit on production, with emphasis on the concentration of 176.12 mg/L on the quality of sour passion fruits, in the period from 160 to 220 days after transplanting.

Improving yield and irrigation water productivity of green beans under water stress with agricultural solid waste-based material of compacted rice straw as a sustainable organic soil mulch

AbstractThis research aimed at water saving in irrigation by applying deficit irrigation using two strategies, standard drip and partial root drying (PRD), while applying organic and plastic mulch over two growing seasons of green beans. A field experiment was conducted in 2022 and 2023, using four irrigation treatments supplying 100% of the irrigation requirement (IRg), 75% IRg, 50% IRg, and 50% IRg—PRD, and four soil mulching treatments: uncovered soil (UC), plastic mulch (PM), rice straw mulch (RSM), and compacted rice straw mulch (CRSM). The combined effect of deficit irrigation strategies and soil mulching showed that the maximum irrigation water productivity (IWP) of 5.56 kg m−3 was achieved under 50% IRg—PRD &amp; CRSM for both growing seasons, followed by 50% IRg—PRD &amp; RSM and 50% IRg—PRD &amp; PM, with 5.19 and 4.96 kg m−3, respectively. The highest yield of 8936 kg ha−1 was achieved with 50% IRg—PRD &amp; CRSM, followed by 8914 kg ha−1 and 8898 kg ha−1 with 100% IRg &amp; CRSM and 75% IRg &amp; CRSM, respectively. The lowest yield of 6009 kg ha−1 was obtained with 50% IRg &amp; UC. The highest soil moisture content was observed under 100% IRg &amp; CRSM. The application of organic mulches was found to be particularly effective in conserving soil moisture due to enhanced infiltration, improved retention capacity, and suppression of weed growth, ultimately fostering optimal crop development and higher yield. The results of soil temperature variations beneath soil mulches showed that CRSM is effective in alleviating plant water stress, lowering the temperature below the cover and reducing water loss through evaporation from the soil surface. The combination of 50% IRg—PRD &amp; CRSM produced plants with enhanced plant height, fresh and dry weight, leaf area, pod length, and green bean weight, as well as the highest vegetative growth indices. Generally, the organic mulching increased soil temperature, soil moisture, IWP, and green bean production.

Deficit irrigation strategies on almond production in California: a brief review

Deficit irrigation strategies on almond production in California: a brief review

TiO2 NPs as a Promising Strategy for Crop Conservation Resulting from Deficit Irrigation in Fragaria × ananassa Cv. Camarosa

ABSTRACT Nanoparticle-based methods can compensate for yield and quality loss of crops affected by drought. The current study, performed in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design, addressed to evaluate the effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) at 0, 10, 20, and 30 mg L−1 under three irrigation regimes (full irrigation, partial root drying (PRD), and sustained deficit irrigation (SDI)) on Fragaria × ananassa cv. Camarosa. Results revealed that the PRD stress had more adverse effects on F. ananassa cv. Camarosa than SDI stress. Assessment of the behavior of TiO2 NPs in this study elucidated that mean productivity, yield stability index, and fruit number in plants grown under full irrigation increased when treated with 10 mg L−1 TiO2 NPs. Under the deficit irrigation, including PRD and SDI, all levels of TiO2 NPs mitigated mean productivity and yield stability index by ameliorating the fruit number and water use efficiency (WUE) and decreasing transpiration. Flowering and fruit set times were reduced by TiO2 NPs and deficit irrigation while their periods were enhanced by ones. It seems that when the strawberry was exposed to TiO2 NPs exhibited approximately drought tolerance. These nanoparticles ameliorated photosynthesis and mineral uptake and allocated dry matter to the root. These alterations can contribute to crop production in deficit irrigation strategies.

Water productivity in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Alvarinho using dual crop coefficient approach

Water productivity (WP) measurement determines the efficiency of water use by assessing the ratio of the crop yield to the amount of water used in production. The objective of this study was to identify the optimal irrigation treatment for Vitis vinifera L. cv. Alvarinho with ground cover in Northern Portugal, with a focus on water productivity. Two irrigation treatments (full irrigation—FI; deficit irrigation—DI) and a control (rainfed—R) were considered. The FI strategy represented the standard irrigation carried out by the vinegrower, based on the water availability and their experience. The cover crop was a variable factor, evaluated in terms of both height and density, both within the crop row and between the rows. In each of the treatments, the available soil water content (ASW) was measured in eight locations in the field throughout the growing season using a capacitive probe (Diviner 2000) previously calibrated. These measurements were used to calibrate the SIMDualKc model, which employed the dual crop coefficient approach. The successful calibration of the model, carried out with treatment R in 2018, was evidenced by the strong correlation between the ASW measured through the capacitive probe and that simulated by SIMDualKc (b=0.988 and r2=0.995). After the model’s calibration, the separation between the transpiration and evaporation components was determined. The maximum transpiration during the growing season was observed in the full irrigation treatment. In this context, the study proceeded to apply the soil water balance components and transpiration generated by the model in the calculation of the WP. The fruit yield productivity was determined by accounting for the total water use in the growing season. The total water used was calculated by combining the volumes of water applied for irrigation and precipitation and the soil water extracted during the growing season by crops and cover crops. The deficit irrigation strategy showed the best performance in both years, with WP values of 3.31 and 1.81 kg m−3 for the years 2018 and 2019, respectively. Therefore, the study concluded that deficit irrigation proved to be the most effective irrigation strategy in terms of water productivity and crop water use efficiency (WUEc).

A synoptic review of deficit irrigation methods: sustainable water-saving strategies in vegetable cultivation

ABSTRACT It is elusive and highly challenging to sustain the productivity of vegetable commodities under limited available natural resources and anticipated future climatic scenarios. Amongst available natural resources, water remains the most limiting factor. Present vegetable cultivation practices involve the utilization of excessive quantities of water, thereby leading to the wastage of precious water resources. Therefore, sustainable management of irrigation water is crucial for future vegetable cultivation, as most vegetable crops are vulnerable to water scarcity at different growth stages, which can result in yield and post-harvest quality losses. Adoption of deficit irrigation (DI) is one of the sustainable irrigation water management approaches. DI is a sustainable water-saving approach, as irrigation water is applied in limited or lower quantities than the actual evapotranspiration-based crop water requirement. Strategic application of water at the right time and quantity with the right technique can greatly improve water use efficiency and water productivity. It could also enhance the post-harvest quality with marginal yield loss. Yield losses whatsoever could be compensated by expanding agricultural areas in water-scarce zones by adopting the DI strategy. This review discusses the concept and types of DI and examines its implications for the morpho-physiology and productivity of commercially important vegetable crops.

Effects of different water stresses under subsurface infiltration irrigation on eggplant growth and water productivity

Effects of different water stresses under subsurface infiltration irrigation on eggplant growth and water productivity

Towards the improvement of productivity and irrigation efficiency of olive hedgerows managed with mechanical pruning and harvest under various deficit irrigation strategies in Argentina

ABSTRACT One of the main challenges in super high-density olive is maintaining hedgerow structure suitable for mechanical harvesting. Deficit irrigation strategies (DI) can contribute to this maintenance. In this study, three DI treatments at 50% of the Control (DI-1: budbreak to pre-bloom, DI-2: fruit set to pit hardening, and DI-3: pit hardening to harvest) were applied to 6-year-old Arbequina hedgerows in a semi-arid environment of Argentina over three consecutive seasons. The mean applied water reduction was 12% for DI-1 and 16% for DI-2 and DI-3, compared to Control (100% of ETc throughout the cycle). DI-3 achieved the narrowest hedgerows at harvest, where canopy height was responsive to irrigation and canopy width was affected by fruit load but not by the irrigation regime. DI-1 demonstrated similar fruit and oil yields to Control throughout the experiment, while DI-2 only had comparable yields to Control in Off-season. DI-3 had the lowest oil yields, averaging – 27% in Off and On-seasons. The fruit number was similar among treatments in all seasons, indicating that differences in final yield were related to fruit size and oil concentration. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal duration and intensity of the water deficit for DI-3.

Examination of Temporal Variation in the Physiological Parameters of Olive Trees in Various Deficit Irrigation Strategies

Examination of Temporal Variation in the Physiological Parameters of Olive Trees in Various Deficit Irrigation Strategies

Effect of different deficit irrigation regimes on vine performance, grape composition and wine quality of the “Primitivo” variety under mediterranean conditions

Climate change represents one of the current major challenges and the improper use of water resources is an impeding threat. Agricultural research can play a crucial role by developing innovative strategies and techniques to reduce water use without affecting crop productivity and quality, particularly in grapevine growing in Mediterranean areas, as both productivity and wine quality are quintessential for the economic and ecologic sustainability of this crop. The present study aimed to define a deficit irrigation strategy for the “Primitivo” grapevine cultivar, taking into account the overall pathway of the vineyard performance in terms of leaf functionality, starch reserves, vine productivity, and wine quality. The trial was carried out in Southern-Italy on a three year-old, drip irrigated vineyard, imposing four deficit irrigation regimes for two consecutive seasons, consisting of 29 (T29), 55 (T55), 85 (T85) and 100% (T100) of crop evapotranspiration (ETC). Mild water restriction (T85) did not affect vegetative nor reproductive vine performance. Deficit irrigation at 55% ETC lowered leaf functionality, starch accumulation, vine vigour and yield, due to a reduction of cluster weight; however, wine acidity and phenolic compounds were increased. T29 further decreased yield, as also the number of clusters was reduced. The most water-stressed treatment revealed a low concentration of malic acid in the must and a consequent increase of the ethanol sensation in the wine. After 9 months ageing, T85 had the highest wine colour intensity suggesting this treatment as the most promising in terms of quality and quantity of wine as well as for water saving.