Irrigation Programs Research Articles

Evaluation of Crop Coefficient, Cumulative and Dynamic Evapo-Transpiration of Winter Wheat under Deficit Irrigation Treatments in Weighing Lysimeter in Beijing, China

<p><em>The availability of water plays an important role in plant growth, yield and quality of crops In 2012-2013 experiment, Irrigation treatments were (1): Irrigation before sowing (60 Liter), (2): Irrigation before sowing (30 Liter) + before freezing (30 Liter); (3): before sowing (30 Liter) + before freezing (30 Liter) + in the beginning of erecting stage (60 Liter) + at flowering stage (60 Liter); (4): before sowing (30 Liter) + before freezing (30 Liter) + at booting stage (60 Liter) + at flowering stage (60 Liter). The weighing lysimeter system is located in National Precision Agriculture Demonstration Station in Xiaotangshang Town of Beijing. The maximum evapotranspiration value in March, April and May was obtained for lysimeter 10 (I2) (558.70 kg), lysimeter 11 (I3) (467.25 kg), and lysimeter 10 (I2) (488.68 kg), respectively. Knowledge about changes of soil water changes during successive growing seasons from planting to final ripening is a necessary tool for an effective planning of irrigation programs, in order to improve both quality and quantity of crop. From October to June, evapo-transpiration trends increased steadily, especially in last four months, in which the lysimeter fields were covered by winter wheat completely. In 2013-2014 experiment, Irrigation treatments were (1) no irrigantion, (2) irrigation only at jointing stage (60L), (3) irrigation at jointing (60L) and flowering stage (60L), (4) at jointing stage (April 8th, 60L), 100% flowering stage (April 30th, 60L), and grain filling period (May 10th, 60L) before irrigation, crop coefficient (KC) was low and exactly after irrigation, it increased and then it decreased gradually day by day. R2 between evapotranspiration which is on the basis of hourly weather data and daily weather data with measured ET in big lysimter was 0.962 and 0.953, respectively. Evapotranspiration and crop coefficient almost exactly match according to R2 of the regression. In conclusion, evapotranspiration and KC give a closer idea of the value of research on relationship between evapotranspiration and crop coefficient.</em></p>

Sensitivity Analysis of the Penman-Monteith Reference Evapotranspiration to Climatic Variables: Case of Burkina Faso

Sensitivity analysis is important in understanding the effect of each climatic input variable on the variation of the evapotranspiration which is a significant element for hydrological modelling, irrigation programs, and water resources management. This study investigates the responses of evapotranspiration to the variation of maximum and minimum temperature, solar radiation, wind speed and maximum and minimum relative humidity. Daily data from 1998 to 2012 of eight stations are used. For each climatic variable, a variation of 5% up to ±25% was performed in order to evaluate the sensitivity of the evapotranspiration to the input variables. Results show that evapotranspiration is more sensitive to the variation of solar radiation, maximal temperature and wind speed, respectively.

Irrigation and state in Kashmir (1947–1989)

Irrigation facilities have direct bearing on the peasant economy of a region, in Kashmir also the nature of agriculture and its growth and development had largely remained dependent on irrigation infrastructure. In fact, the State and Society had equal stakes in agricultural development andcould hardly ignore the necessity of improving and developing irrigation facilities. Not surprisingly therefore, the prominent literary sources on the region like Rajatarangini are replete with evidences indicating that irrigation development remained a top priority for the rulers of Kashmir in ancient and medieval times. Based on archival source this paper attempts to highlight the role of the state in irrigation development after 1947. The irrigation strategy of the state is critically evaluated together with the impact that irrigation programs of the states had on cropping pattern and food production.

Spatial distribution of soil water, soil temperature, and plant roots in a drip-irrigated intercropping field with plastic mulch

Intercropping and drip irrigation with plastic mulch are two agricultural practices used worldwide. Coupling of these two practices may further increase crop yields and land and water use efficiencies when an optimal spatial distribution of soil water contents (SWC), soil temperatures, and plant roots is achieved. However, this coupling causes the distribution of SWCs, soil temperatures, and plant roots to be more complex than when only one of these agricultural practices are used. The objective of this study thus was to investigate the effects of different irrigation treatments on spatial distributions of SWCs, soil temperatures, and root growth in a drip-irrigated intercropping field with plastic mulch. Three field experiments with different irrigation treatments (high T1, moderate T2, and low T3) were conducted to evaluate the spatial distribution of SWCs, soil temperatures, and plant roots with respect to dripper lines and plant locations. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in SWCs in the 0–40 cm soil layer for different irrigation treatments and between different locations. The maximum SWC was measured under the plant/mulch for the T1 treatment, while the minimum SWC was measured under the bare soil surface for the T3 treatment. This was mainly due to the location of drippers and mulch. However, no differences in SWCs were measured in the 60 100 cm soil layer. Significant differences in soil temperatures were measured in the 0 5 cm soil layer between different irrigation treatments and different locations. The soil temperature in the subsoil (15 25 cm) under mulch was higher than under the bare surface. The overlaps of two plant root systems in an intercropping field gradually increased and then decreased during the growing season. The roots in the 0 30 cm soil layer accounted for about 60% 70% of all roots. Higher irrigation rates produced higher root length and weight densities in the 0 30 cm soil layer and lower densities in the 30 100 cm soil layers. Spatial distributions of SWCs, soil temperatures, and plant roots in the intercropping field under drip irrigation were significantly influenced by irrigation treatments and plastic mulch. Collected experimental data may contribute to designing an optimal irrigation program for a drip-irrigated intercropping field with plastic mulch.

An Overview of Fertilization and Irrigation Management in the Conventional and Certified Organic Production of Vegetable Crops in Florida

The postharvest quality of vegetable crops from conventional and organic production systems depends on pre-harvest factors such as variety genetic potential, fertilization, and irrigation. The five principles of plant nutrition (plants absorb ions, not fertilizers; Leibeig’s law of the minimum; nutrient application requires a source, a rate, a placement and a time of application; no correlation exists between total nutrient presence in the soil and availability; and plant nutrient concentration and yield are related) must be followed throughout the crop growth cycle. In certified organic production in the United States, cover crops, manure and composts may be used together with Organic Materials Review Institute–approved fertilizer products. A fertilization program usually includes (1) soil sampling and understanding the recommendation; (2) adjusting pH if necessary; (3) applying preplant fertilizer and developing a schedule for sidedressing or fertigation; (4) using foliar fertilization; (5) monitoring plant nutrient status; and (5) keeping fertilization records. The components of an irrigation schedule are (1) determining a target irrigation volume based on reference evapotranspiration and crop age; (2) adjusting this amount based on soil moisture content; (3) determining the contribution of rainfall; (4) developing a rule for splitting irrigation; and (5) keeping irrigation records. A poorly designed irrigation program can negate the benefits of a sound fertilization program. Challenges encountered in conventional and organic production include predicting nutrient release rates from organic materials, supplying enough N throughout the cropping season, identifying rescue strategies, keeping production costs low, and meeting the additional legal requirements of the food safety and best management practices programs.

Impact Evaluation of Residential Irrigation Audits on Water Conservation in Colorado

Residential sprinkler audit programs are commonly used as a tool for municipalities to achieve their water conservation goals, but little evaluative work has been done to measure the water savings from these efforts. Results include a statistical analysis of the impact of 2,000 residential sprinkler audits in Colorado and guidance for future conservation program design. Analysis of water billing records from at least two years pre‐ and two years post‐irrigation audit from five seasons (2007–2012) were used to answer key questions about irrigation audit impact on water use as well as to understand factors that contribute to water savings from irrigation programs. While the average water savings one year post‐audit were 5,000 gal/participant and median savings were 2,000 gal/participant, high variability among savings beyond one year suggests that audits may not produce as robust long‐term benefits.

Using Magnetic Technologies in Management of Water Irrigation Programs under Arid and Semi-Arid Ecosystem

Agriculture in arid and semi arid regions is currently affected by lack of fresh water and a remarkable increase in salt saline soil and underground water Recently the available information of simple and eco friendly technology in using magnetic field in correcting brackish water is possible Field experiments were carried out at Agricultural Research Station College of Food and Agriculture Sciences King Saud University Saudi Arabia aimed at examine whether there are any beneficial effects of magnetic treatment on correcting underground brackish water for irrigation The experiments included three cereal crops viz wheat barley and triticale and three types of water i e magnetized and non magnetized underground brackish water and treated wastewater A magnetic unit for water treatment magnetron with magnetic field amounting to mT was installed to flow out magnetized water through a magnetic field Overall the results indicate that the effects of magnetic treatment varied with plant type and the type of irrigation water used and their interaction In particular the magnetic treatment of underground water respectively increased germination percentage nearly the complete emergence was recorded after days from sowing as compared to non magnetized and treated waste water and Furthermore magnetic water induced positive significant effect on mobility and uptake of micronutrient concentration ppm Fe Zn and Mn Using magnetized water also increased significantly all growth criteria including main stem height cm number of tillers m fresh and dry weight g m as compared to underground water mounting to and at heading stages respectively And thus all these parameters reflected in increasing biomass and finally grain yield While the findings of the present study are interesting the potential of the magnetic treatment of irrigation water for crop production needs to be further tested under different conditions

Benefits of the South san Joaquin Irrigation district's Pilot Pressure Irrigation Project

AbstractThe South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) board commissioned Stantec Consulting as a partner in developing an irrigation program that could improve delivery efficiency and service. A portion of one of the District's nine divisions ‐ 1,537 ha in Division 9 ‐ was chosen as the site for building, testing, and optimizing a pilot pressure irrigation project. The vision for the system included the following fundamental capabilities: pressurization. Pumping water from a 69,075 m3 pond to individual farms through 14.5 km of pressurized pipeline; calculated use. Letting farmers choose the time, volume, and flow rate of deliveries; automated/mobile access. Developing a web‐based tool that allows farmers to schedule deliveries from a computer, smart phone, or iPad based on current and past weather forecasts, previous water usage and historical evapotranspiration rates, and orchard moisture sensors.This paper will focus on the realized benefits for the SSJID and the Division 9 farmers including but not limited to: improved service to crops, volumetric billing compliance, improved irrigation flexibility (duration, frequency, flow rate), water conservation, reduction in farmer energy costs, reduced groundwater pumping, improved air quality, improved yields, reduction in labor inputs, automatic delivery information for billing, increased pumping efficiency, increased District enrollment, protection of water rights, improved flood delivery service and efficiency, intelligent irrigation scheduling, and improved management of flows through a regulating reservoir. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Sustainability of regulated deficit irrigation in a mid-maturing peach cultivar

The level of irrigation restriction to apply in a deficit irrigation (DI) programme for sustainable peach (‘Baby gold 6’) production was investigated. The experiment involved four irrigation treatments over five consecutive seasons (2007–2011). They were full irrigation (control), reducing irrigation by 20 % during the first half of stage III (DI-80 %), withholding irrigation until reaching a light stress level (DI-L) and withholding irrigation until reaching a moderate stress level (DI-M). The withholding of irrigation in both DI-L and DI-M was applied only during stage II and postharvest periods and was based on midday stem water potential thresholds (Ψ stem). For the DI-L treatment −1.5 MPa was used in both periods, and for DI-M −1.8 and −2.0 MPa were used during stage II and postharvest, respectively. Average Ψ stem values during DI periods were approximately −1.4 and −1.2 MPa for DI-M and DI-L, respectively. The pre-defined thresholds required to trigger irrigation were rarely reached. No significant differences between treatments were found in terms of yield in any experimental year. However, DI-M and to a lesser extent DI-L had lower final fruit fresh mass at harvest related to lower Ψ stem after three consecutive years of the experiment (during 2010 and 2011). Therefore, in terms of fruit size, DI was not sustainable. Rather than lowering Ψ stem thresholds, we recommend discontinuing DI after 3-year application.

Paprika pepper yield and quality as affected by different irrigation levels

This study was carried out to determine the effects of irrigation levels on yield and quality of paprika pepper under Harran plain conditions of Turkey. Different water stress levels under drip irrigation system were created by applying 125% of cumulative Class-A Pan evaporation (CAP 125 ), 100% (CAP 100 ), 75% (CAP 75 ) and 50% (CAP 50 ) of cumulative class-A-pan (CAP) evaporation in every 3 days. Besides, an irrigation treatment with IRSIS (Irrigation Scheduling Information System) computer program was created and applied as an alternative irrigation program. Three paprika pepper cultivars (Ace, King and Queens) were tested. Experiments were conducted in randomized blocks split plots design with 3 replications in 2005 at Koruklu Station of GAP Regional Development Administration located in Harran Plain of Sarliurfa, Turkey. Applied irrigation water amount and ET (Evapotranspiration) values for IRSIS treatment were 874 mm and 908 mm, respectively. Applied irrigation amount and ET values of CAP 125 and CAP 50 were between 254-568 mm and 368-602 mm, respectively. The highest yield was obtained from IRSIS treatment with 25.63 t ha -1 and the lowest yield was obtained from CAP 50 with 11.72 t ha -1 . The yield was significantly affected by cultivar, irrigation and cultivar × irrigation interactions. The average moisture, ASTA (American Spice Trade Association), capsaicin, vitamin C and beta-carotene contents were respectively varied between 83.96 – 84.76%, between 225.76–286.22 mg kg -1 , between 1404.11–2408.11 mg kg -1 and between 77.88– 113.00 mg kg -1 . Beta-carotene contents were not affected significantly by the cultivars, irrigations and interactions. The effects of irrigation and interactions on vitamin C and capsaicin were not also significant while the effects of cultivar on vitamin C and capsaicin were significant at P<0.05 level. It was observed in this study that sufficient yield levels of paprika peppers might be achieved through implementation of proper irrigation and care practices.

Effects of irrigation, soil compaction and fertilization treatments on physiological – vegetative characteristics and root development of soybean

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of different soil compaction levels (non-compacted control, low compaction, high compaction), irrigation management practices (conventional furrow and alternate furrow) and nitrogenous fertilizer levels (60, 90, 120 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;–1&lt;/sup&gt;) on vegetative characteristics (dry biomass production, plant height, number of branch and number of pod per plant, height of the first pod, leaf area index, stem diameter), physiological characteristics (leaf relative water content, leaf chlorophyll content and leaf temperature) and root development through 0 -80 cm soil profile of soybean grown in Harran Plain of Turkey. Experiments were conducted in Sanliurfa Province of Turkey in split-split plots experimental design with 3 replications during the years of 2006 and 2007. Irrigation program was created by using KanSched simulation model. The amount of applied irrigation water in conventional and alternate furrow systems in 2006 and 2007 were measured as 435.61 and 291.59 mm, and 429.51 and 271.72 mm, respectively. While the highest yield (947.8 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;–1&lt;/sup&gt;) was observed in control treatment of the year 2006, conventional furrow system had the highest yield (2099.3 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;–1&lt;/sup&gt;) in the year 2007. Soil compaction, irrigation and nitrogenous fertilization in general had significant effects on entire vegetative characteristics investigated in the present study. Increasing compaction levels yielded decreasing plant height, stem diameter and leaf area indexes. Biomass production increased with increasing nitrogen doses. Results indicated that negative impacts of soil compaction in agricultural fields due to traffic and various other reasons could be eliminated with proper irrigation and fertilization implementations.

Phenology and Yield Efficiency of Early, Mid-, and Late-Maturing Cultivars of Peach in Irrigated Orchards under Mediterranean Climate

ABSTRACTProductivity of peach cultivars with different ripening seasons was studied under the growers’ conventional conditions of Tunisia. Experiments were performed in northern Tunisia (36° 41ʹ N, 10° 15ʹ E). Performances of Flordastar, Royal Glory, and Carnival as respectively early, mid-season, and late ripening cultivars were evaluated under the grower’s conventional irrigation programs. Fruit growth, yield, water supply, and water productivity were determined through four years. For the three cultivars, Flordastar, Royal Glory, and Carnival, fruit maturity was achieved at 650, 1100, and 2200 GDD, respectively. Average yields were 17.4, 29.8, and 41.1 t ha–1 and mean values of water productivity were 1.9, 3.1, and 3.6 kg fresh yield m–3 for early, mid-season, and late cultivars, respectively. Results of agronomic performances evaluation at the farm scale provided a reference on the behavior of early, mid-season, and late cultivars of peach in irrigated orchards in semi-arid conditions.

Paprika pepper yield and quality as affected by different irrigation levels

This study was carried out to determine the effects of irrigation levels on yield and quality of paprika pepper under Harran plain conditions of Turkey. Different water stress levels under drip irrigation system were created by applying 125% of cumulative Class-A Pan evaporation CAP125 , 100% CAP100 , 75% CAP75 and 50% CAP50 of cumulative class-A-pan CAP evaporation in every 3 days. Besides, an irrigation treatment with IRSIS Irrigation Scheduling Information System computer program was created and applied as an alternative irrigation program. Three paprika pepper cultivars Ace, King and Queens were tested. Experiments were conducted in randomized blocks split plots design with 3 replications in 2005 at Koruklu Station of GAP Regional Development Administration located in Harran Plain of Şarlıurfa, Turkey. Applied irrigation water amount and ET Evapotranspiration values for IRSIS treatment were 874 mm and 908 mm, respectively. Applied irrigation amount and ET values of CAP125 and CAP50 were between 254-568 mm and 368-602 mm, respectively. The highest yield was obtained from IRSIS treatment with 25.63 t ha-1 and the lowest yield was obtained from CAP50 with 11.72 t ha-1. The yield was significantly affected by cultivar, irrigation and cultivar × irrigation interactions. The average moisture, ASTA American Spice Trade Association , capsaicin, vitamin C and beta-carotene contents were respectively varied between 83.96 – 84.76%, between 225.76–286.22 mg kg-1, between 1404.11–2408.11 mg kg-1 and between 77.88–113.00 mg kg-1. Beta-carotene contents were not affected significantly by the cultivars, irrigations and interactions. The effects of irrigation and interactions on vitamin C and capsaicin were not also significant while the effects of cultivar on vitamin C and capsaicin were significant at P

Interaction of Crop Load and Irrigation on Yield, Fruit Size, Color and Stem-end Splitting Ratio of Apple c.v. ‘Gala, Galaxy’

In this study, the interaction between crop load and irrigation level on yield, fruit size, skin color and stem-end splitting fruit ratio in the apple cultivar ‘Gala, Galaxy’ grafted on rootstock M9 were investigated. Six irrigation programs were applied during the whole growth season: deficit irrigation (rates of 0.25 kc, 0.50 kc, 0.75 kc), full irrigation (rate of 1.00 kc), excess irrigation (rate of 1.25 kc) and non-irrigation (rates of 0.00 kc of “Class A” pan evaporation coefficient). Four crop loads in each irrigation application were performed by hand thinning after the June drop as a- a low crop load (3 fruits cm−2 TCA), b- a medium crop load (5 fruits cm−2 TCA), c- a heavy crop load (7 fruits cm−2 TCA), and d- an un-thinned crop load (> 7 fruits cm−2 TCA). The total tree yield increased with crop load and irrigation levels. Fruit size was significantly increased by the low crop load. Irrigation increased the fruit size compared to non-irrigation treatment. Further 0.75 kc, 1.00 kc and 1.25 kc irrigation treatments significantly increased the fruit length. Irrigation reduced the fruit flesh firmness. While the low crop load increased the skin red color, it decreased the fruit skin brightness. The yellowness of skin decreased with increasing in the irrigation amount. Irrigation reduced the skin brightness and yellowness, but it increased red color. Crop load and irrigation significantly affected the stem-end splitting fruit ratio. While the splitting fruit ratio increased with a decrease in the crop load, it decreased with an increase in irrigation amount, relatively. Consequently, the low and medium crop load treatments would be beneficial to increase the ratio of marketable fruits without any significant losses in yield for ‘Gala’ apple, especially under 0.75 kc deficit irrigation treatment.

Effects of mycorrhiza and different irrigation programs on eggplant in soilless culture

Effects of mycorrhiza and different irrigation programs on eggplant in soilless culture

Effects of mycorrhiza and different irrigation programs on eggplant in soilless culture

Effects of mycorrhiza and different irrigation programs on eggplant in soilless culture

Do irrigation programs make poor rural communities in Bolivia less vulnerable to climatic and other shocks?

Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, this study evaluates the effectiveness of national irrigation programs in Bolivia - PRONAR and PRONAREC - in reducing the vulnerability of farming communities. We propose two practical indicators to measure vulnerability empirically, and we develop a Theory of Change that details how irrigation could affect the vulnerability of agricultural households. We proceed to make a "propensity score matched difference-in-difference estimation," which compares changes in vulnerability among households in beneficiary cantons of a national irrigation program between 2002 and 2012 and similar households in cantons that have not benefited from irrigation programs. The quantitative analysis is complemented with a qualitative analysis based on interviews and focus groups with current and former officers, as well as beneficiaries in the highlands, valleys and lowlands of Bolivia.

NUTRITION AND WATER MANAGEMENT IN INTENSIVE PEAR GROWING

Mineral nutrition and irrigation are key management practices in fruit production worldwide. In this presentation, that is grower oriented, I will emphasize basic concepts trying to wrap up elementary information collected from past studies and grower’s experience. The easy approach of nutrient management has been the addition of fertilizers, usually nitrogen (N) based on the concept that this nutrient is deficient in most soils and required by the trees to achieve fruit and shoot growth. Although the argument is true, a nutrient program should consider many inputs starting with the knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of the soil, root zone distribution, facts of the orchard system (rootstock, cultivar, tree density), nutrient dynamics in the soil and within the tree, crop load and fruit quality among the important ones. Generally speaking all that makes up what we call “diagnostic tools”. Regardless orchard system, the tree physiology is unique. Each pear growing region in the world has its own framework. Argentina, which is the first leading exporting country for pear is characterized by the use of the seedling rootstock that leads to tree spacing not less than 4A—2 m. In the USA and South Africa, also semi-vigorous rootstocks are the most popular but the irrigation system is by drip or sprinklers rather that flood as in Argentina. However, in Europe, medium and high density plantations are possible by using quince as a dwarfing rootstock. Spite the disparity of the pictures in those regions, the way the trees function is the same what varies is the strategy to managing the orchard and mineral nutrition is not an exemption. Thus, research in the last two decades showed that N was not required in large amounts for pome fruits. Pears demand 50-60 kg ha-1 to retain good fruit quality and production. The use of the stable isotope N15 allowed researchers to fine tune N application timing because the partitioning of the nutrient at each stage of growth during the season was clearly defined. Also the role of reserves and the estimation of N resorption in the fall were key findings that lead to a more efficient and sustainable N managements in orchards. Any given fertilizer program cannot be successful without an efficient irrigation program. Water is scarce in most pear districts for both quantity and quality. Regulated deficit irrigation has proven to be a good strategy to save water with minimal impact on production. New tools for water monitoring in both soils and trees allow growers to optimize irrigation water use. This area of research is ongoing in most countries along with studies leading to new rootstocks tolerant to low quality water, mainly salts and toxic minerals like boron. The goal of all growers is to produce high yield of good quality fruit and that is function of many decisions that should be taken considering the orchard system as a whole. Diagnostics tools and knowledge of tree physiology allow growers to take better decisions. The most modern management tool can be useless if one ignores the fundamental concepts.

A modeling approach for agricultural water management in citrus orchards: cost-effective irrigation scheduling and agrochemical transport simulation.

The water flow and the mass transport of agrochemicals in the unsaturated and saturated zone were simulated in the extended alluvial basin of Keritis river in Crete, Greece (a predominantly flat and most productive citrus growing area) using the hydrological model MIKE SHE. This model was set up based on information on land use, geology, soil structure, meteorological data, as well as groundwater level data from pumping wells. Additionally, field measurements of the soil moisture at six different locations from three soil depths (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 m) were used as targets to calibrate and validate the unsaturated flow model while for saturated condition, groundwater level data from three well locations were used. Following the modeling approach, the agrochemical mass transport simulation was performed as well, based on different application doses. After the successful calibration processes, the obtained 1D modeling results of soil moisture-pressure related to soil depth at different locations were used to design a proper and cost-effective irrigation programme (irrigation timing, frequency, application rates, etc.) for citrus orchards. The results of the present simulation showed a very good correlation with the field measurements. Based on these results, a proper irrigation plan can be designed at every site of the model domain reducing the water consumption up to 38% with respect to the common irrigation practices and ensuring the citrus water productivity. In addition, the effect of the proposed irrigation scheduling on citrus yield was investigated. Regarding the agrochemical concentration in the groundwater for all dose cases was below the maximum permissible limit. The only exception was for the highest dose in areas where the water table is high. Thus, this modeling approach could be used as a tool for appropriate water management in an agricultural area estimating at each time and location the availability of soil water, contributing to a cost-effective irrigation plan.

Water use and yield of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) under drip irrigation at different water regimes

This study examines the effects of different irrigation regimes on water use and root yield of sugar beet, irrigated with a drip system under field conditions in the 2012–2013 seasons at Cukurcayir in the Kırsehir Centrum of the Central Anatolian region of Turkey. Experiments were carried out in split plots in randomized blocks with three replications.The application of irrigation water was based on cumulative class A pan evaporation within irrigation intervals. Study treatments consisted of one irrigation interval (7 days); the two sugar beet varieties (C1: Esperanza and C2: Calixta) and three different irrigation levels (I1, I2, and I3) adjusted according to the class A pan evaporation (Epan) using three different plant-pan coefficients (Kcp1: 0.5; Kcp2: 0.75; and Kcp3: 1.00).The lowest and the highest values of irrigation water and plant water consumption (Et) were observed in the I1 and I3 treatments in both years, respectively. In 2012, the lowest and the highest root yields were observed in the I3C1 (85.38tha−1) and I2C2 (75.10tha−1) treatments. In the second experimental year, the lowest and the highest root yields were achieved with the I3C1 (66.13tha−1) and I1C2 (47.57tha−1) treatments, respectively.The impact on the examined parameters of irrigation programs in the C2 treatment had not significant. On the other hand, in the C1 treatment of irrigation programs had a significant effect on sugar rate, sugar yield, and other parameters. If the economic yield and quality are desired, the I1C1 treatment can be suggested for sugar beet production under the similar soil and climatic conditions.