Use In Irrigation Scheduling Research Articles

Determination of Wheat Stress Index(CWSI) in Karaj for Use in Irrigation Scheduling

Determination of Wheat Stress Index(CWSI) in Karaj for Use in Irrigation Scheduling

Evaluation of ultrasonic parameters as a non-invasive, rapid and in-field indicator of water stress in Citrus plants

Non-Contact Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (NC-RUS) has emerged as a powerful tool to determine plant water status in a non-destructive, non-invasive and rapid way. In this study, ultrasonic parameters directly obtained from experimental measurements in the field using NC-RUS - such as resonant frequency (fres), velocity (v) and Q-factor - were evaluated as potential water stress indicators in Citrus plants. The experiments were carried out in two-year-old mandarin trees (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan. ‘Clemenules’) grown in pots in an open greenhouse where two different groups of plants were tested: a Control group (full irrigation) and a Drought Stress group (DS) whose irrigation was withdrawn during 7 days, followed by a 16 days recovery period. Soil water content, leaf water potential (Ψleaf) and the considered ultrasonic parameters were measured in the same leaves. fres detected changes between control and DS at day 7 without irrigation. Conversely, v showed differences after day 3, which were statistically significant at day 7, enabling discrimination between C and DS groups. Hence, Q-factor was the ultrasonic parameter that showed statistically significant differences between C and DS groups at days 3 and 7. Consequently, Signal Intensity in Q during the drought treatment showed a similar evolution to Ψleaf, although with slightly lower performance. However, Q-factor sensitivity excels Ψleaf at each day studied. Finally, a linear correlation (R2=0.57) between Ψleaf and Q-factor of all experimental data measured in DS group plants along the drought treatment was found. In conclusion, the ultrasonic parameters obtained using NC-RUS and in particular the Q-factor, demonstrated to be potential new water stress indicators in Citrus trees, with the novelty of being non-destructive, non-invasive and rapid. Future work should explore its suitability for its use in irrigation scheduling for Citrus trees.

Prediction of crop coefficients from fraction of ground cover and height: Practical application to vegetable, field and fruit crops with focus on parameterization

The A&P approach, developed by Allen and Pereira (2009), estimates single and basal crop coefficients (Kc and Kcb) from the observed fraction of ground cover (fc) and crop height (h). The practical application of the A&P for several crops was reviewed and tested in a companion paper (Pereira et al., 2020). The current study further addresses the derivation of optimal values for A&P parameter values representing canopy transparency (ML) and stomatal adjustment (Fr), and tests the resulting model performance. Values reported in literature of ML and Fr were analysed. Optimal ML and Fr values were derived by a numerical search that minimized the differences between Kcb A&P with standard Kcb for vegetable, field, and fruit crops as tabulated by Pereira et al. (2021a, 2021b) and Rallo et al. (2021). Sources for fc were literature reviews supplemented by a remote sensing survey. Computed Kcb and Kc for mid- and end-season together with associated parameters values were tabulated. To improve the usability of the ML and Fr parameters a cross validation was performed, which consisted of the linear regression between Kcb computed by A&P and observed Kcb relative to independent data sets obtained from field observations. Results show that both series of Kcb match well, with regression coefficients very close to 1.0, coefficients of determination near 1.0, and root mean square errors (RMSE) of 0.06 for the annual crops and RMSE = 0.07 for the trees and vines. These errors represent less than 10% of most of the computed tabulated Kcb. The tabulated Fr and ML of this paper can be regarded as defaults to support A&P field practice when observations of fc and h are performed. Therefore, the A&P approach shows to be appropriate for use in irrigation scheduling and planning when fc and h are observed using ground and/or remote sensing, hence supporting irrigation water savings.

Selecting models for the estimation of reference evapotranspiration for irrigation scheduling purposes.

Alternative models for the estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) are typically assessed using traditional error metrics, such as root mean square error (RMSE), which may not be sufficient to select the best model for irrigation scheduling purposes. Thus, this study analyzes the performance of the original and calibrated Hargreaves-Samani (HS), Romanenko (ROM) and Jensen-Haise (JH) equations, initially assessed using traditional error metrics, for use in irrigation scheduling, considering the simulation of different irrigation intervals/time scales. Irrigation scheduling was simulated using meteorological data collected in Viçosa-MG and Mocambinho-MG, Brazil. The Penman-Monteith FAO-56 equation was used as benchmark. In general, the original equations did not perform well to estimate ETo, except the ROM and HS equations used at Viçosa and Mocambinho, respectively. Calibration and the increase in the time scale provided performance gains. When applied in irrigation scheduling, the calibrated HS and JH equations showed the best performances. Even with greater errors in estimating ETo, the calibrated HS equation performed similarly or better than the calibrated JH equation, as it had errors with greater potential to be canceled during the soil water balance. Finally, in addition to using error metrics, the performance of the models throughout the year should be considered in their assessment. Furthermore, simulating the application of ETo models in irrigation scheduling can provide valuable information for choosing the most suitable model.

Application of a Daily Crop Water Stress Index to Deficit Irrigate Malbec Grapevine under Semi-Arid Conditions

Precision irrigation of wine grape is hindered by the lack of an automated method for monitoring vine water status. The objectives of this study were to: Validate an automated model for remote calculation of a daily crop water stress index (CWSI) for the wine grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivar Malbec and evaluate its suitability for use in irrigation scheduling. Vines were supplied weekly with different percentages of evapotranspiration-based estimated water demand (ETc) over four growing seasons. In the fifth growing season, different daily CWSI threshold values were used to trigger an irrigation event that supplied 28 mm of water. All three indicators of vine water status (CWSI, midday leaf water potential (Ψlmd), and juice carbon isotope ratio (δ13C)) detected an increase in stress severity as the irrigation amount decreased. When the irrigation amount decreased from 100% to 50% ETc, 70% to 35% ETc, or the daily CWSI threshold value increased from 0.4 to 0.6, berry fresh weight and juice titratable acidity decreased, juice δ13C increased, the weekly CWSI increased, and Ψlmd decreased. Under the semi-arid conditions of this study, utilizing a daily CWSI threshold for irrigation scheduling reduced the irrigation amount without compromising the yield or changes in berry composition and remotely provided automated decision support for managing water stress severity in grapevine.

A Review of Landscape Water Requirements Using a Multicomponent Landscape Coefficient

HighlightsA multi-component decoupling method for the landscape coefficient is described that provides a thorough means to estimate the water requirements of landscapes.The decoupling method considers differences in vegetation type, density, local climate, and soil water management.Methods for incorporating managed stress and frequency of irrigation are described.Winter or dormant season ET is described.The procedure in ASABE Standard S623 is a simpler form of the multi-component procedure and is complementary.Abstract. Water requirements of landscapes are highly variable due to the heterogeneous natures of landscapes, vegetation types, influence of buildings, and nutrient and water management. Objectives for water management of landscapes are for general appearance and health rather than for maximum biomass production. A multi-component method developed for the Irrigation Association (IA) and extended from the California WUCOLS procedure is demonstrated in which the landscape coefficient (KL, equivalent to a crop coefficient) is broken down into four components: vegetation type, vegetation density, microclimate, and managed stress. Each of these components can be estimated using readily made descriptions of a landscaped area and management objectives. One form of the KL equation is used to determine target KL that incorporates a target amount of soil water stress to support water conservation and to support water planning studies. A second form of the KL equation can be used to estimate the actual KL occurring under actual water management. The second form is used in studies of water balances and actual water conservation. The general decoupled equation is further expanded to optionally incorporate impacts of evaporation from exposed soil to assess impacts of irrigation frequency on total water consumption. The mathematics for the approach can be incorporated into software applications and smart irrigation controllers to produce improved water consumption estimates for landscape water requirements for use in irrigation scheduling, water requirement planning, and water depletion studies. The simplified procedure for estimating landscape water requirements in ASABE Standard S623 that is complementary to the IA procedure is discussed and compared. Both methods use a vegetation type and density system as the basis for efficiently estimating scientifically accurate landscape water requirements. Keywords: . Evapotranspiration, Irrigation requirements, Landscape coefficients, Landscape water requirements, Managed Stress, Microclimates, NAIP areal imagery.

DETERMINATION OF OPTIMAL LOCATION OF SOIL MOISTURE SENSING DEVICES FOR TRICKLE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Moisture sensing devices are considered the main element to reach better irrigation management especially for irrigation systems that are based on automatic control. Moisture devices location accuracy may affect the accuracy of their sent data which will lead to a poor performance under various operating conditions and consequently, affect irrigation efficiency that affects dependency on water productivity and thus, water use energy efficiency. For this purpose, a lab experiment was carried out using a fiberglass box (100 x 100 x 20 cm) and digital moisture meter (SKZ-DM300L), 2 digits accuracy to determine the optimal position of a calibrated moisture sensing device. The experiment was carried out on two soil types (sandy, and clay) under three flow rates (4.2, 5.6, and 6.2 l/h) for each soil type. Soil moisture content (SMC) average and total moisture content average were calculated for both soil types throughout four investigation periods (6, 12, 24, and 48 h) respectively, after applying the water for an hour. Standard deviation (SD) was estimated for each quarter of the total investigation depth to determine the amount of variation or dispersion of the obtained average (mean) moisture content values. For sandy soil, (15 cm) vertically (under the emission point directly) is the optimal position recommended putting a calibrated moisture sensing device use in irrigation scheduling under the lowest flow rate (4.2 l/h) whereas, (15, 15 cm) horizontally and vertically respectively, (from the emission point) is recommended for clay soil under flow rate (5.6 l/h) to obtain highly irrigation efficiency and thus, highly water productivity and water use energy efficiency.

Irrigation Scheduling of Potato to Increase the Water Productivity under Drip Irrigation System on Sandy Soil

The use of irrigation scheduling in modern irrigation systems are a vital role to improve water productivity in arid regions. In Egypt, annually total cultivated area of potatoes on average 160 thousand feddan and this area is estimated at about 15% of the total allocated space for growing vegetables. Surface (SDI) and subsurface drip (SSDI) irrigation are highly efficient, but is not usually used properly. The object of this experiment is to to enhance yield and to save water on potato crop under irrigation methods. Results show that the water requirements was 1993.66 m3/fed. in summer season compared with 1838.18 in Nili season after taking into account the proportion of crop coefficient, with irrigation efficiency was 90% and the rate of leaching were 10% .While the total water applied crop growth period were 1810, 1971, 1713 and 1892 m3/fed./season in the Nili season at T11, T12, T21 and T22 respectively, compared with traditional irrigation was 2750 m3/fed./season, while in the Summer season were 2050, 2243, 1900 and 2155 m3/fed./season at T11, T12, T21 and T22 respectively, compared with traditional irrigation was 2920 m3/fed./season. The water storage (water consumed) were 715.8 and 730.4 m3/fed./season in the Nili season at T11(SDI), T21(SSDI)respectively, while its values were 814.8 and 769.2 m3/fed./season in the Summery season at T11(SDI), T21(SSDI)respectively. The storage efficiency were 79.7 and 74.7% in the Nili season at T11(SDI), T21(SSDI)respectively, while it's were 83.1 and 78.2 % in the Summer season at T11(SDI), T21(SSDI)respectively. The irrigation water productivity ranges from 4.9 to 7.1 kg/m3 in Nili seasons and 5 to 7.1 in Summery seasons. The irrigation water productivity were 7.0 and 7.1 kg/m3 under T21 in Nili and Summery seasons respectively using subsurface drip. However it's were 6.5 and 6.1 kg/m3 under T21 in Nili and Summery seasons respectively using surface drip, compared with traditional irrigation treatment (T00) was 4.9 and 5 kg/m3 in Nili and Summery seasons respectively. The results were for water saving 34.2, 28.3, 37.7, 31.2% at the Nili season and 29.8, 23.2, 34.9, 26.2%, in Summery season under treatments T11, T12, T21 and T22 respectively.

Remote Sensing for Crop Water Management: From ET Modelling to Services for the End Users.

The experiences gathered during the past 30 years support the operational use of irrigation scheduling based on frequent multi-spectral image data. Currently, the operational use of dense time series of multispectral imagery at high spatial resolution makes monitoring of crop biophysical parameters feasible, capturing crop water use across the growing season, with suitable temporal and spatial resolutions. These achievements, and the availability of accurate forecasting of meteorological data, allow for precise predictions of crop water requirements with unprecedented spatial resolution. This information is greatly appreciated by the end users, i.e., professional farmers or decision-makers, and can be provided in an easy-to-use manner and in near-real-time by using the improvements achieved in web-GIS methodologies (Geographic Information Systems based on web technologies). This paper reviews the most operational and explored methods based on optical remote sensing for the assessment of crop water requirements, identifying strengths and weaknesses and proposing alternatives to advance towards full operational application of this methodology. In addition, we provide a general overview of the tools, which facilitates co-creation and collaboration with stakeholders, paying special attention to these approaches based on web-GIS tools.

Optimal model-based deficit irrigation scheduling using AquaCrop: A simulation study with cotton, potato and tomato

Water shortage is the main limiting factor for agricultural productivity in many countries and improving water use efficiency in agriculture has been the focus of numerous studies. The usual approach to limit water consumption in agriculture is to apply water quotas and in such a situation farmers should use an irrigation schedule that maximizes the yield and abides to the quota constraints. In contrast to the widespread use of irrigation scheduling based on agronomy practices, irrigation scheduling may be considered as a constrained optimization problem. When drip irrigation is used, the decision variables are the irrigation amounts for each day of the season. The objective function is the expected yield calculated with the use of a model. In the present work we solved this optimization problem for three crops modeled by the model AquaCrop. This optimization problem is non-trivial due to the non-smooth behavior of the objective function and the fact that it involves multiple integer variables. We developed an optimization scheme for generating sub-optimal irrigation schedules that take implicitly into account the response of the crop to water stress, and used these as initial guesses for a full optimization of daily irrigation. Performing this optimization with various values of water quotas produced the function that expresses the relationship between water quota and yield.

Estimation of crop coefficients of dry-seeded irrigated rice–wheat rotation on raised beds by field water balance method in the Indo-Gangetic plains, India

Lack of information on crop coefficient (kc) values of bed planted rice–wheat system in the Indo Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India has become a constraint for irrigation planning to improve the crop water productivity. In this paper, we estimated kc values from field water balance measured crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and Penman–Monteith estimated reference ET0 for dry-seeded irrigated bed planted rice–wheat rotation and also compared with conventional dry-seeded flat system of planting. The experiment was conducted in 2001–2003 at New Delhi, India. Estimated kc values at initial stage (4–6th weeks of sowing) on raised beds were comparable with flat conventional planting for rice but significantly higher for wheat. However, in later stages of growth, kc values for both rice and wheat were lesser on beds than flat land. The kc values of rice during initial, crop development, mid-season and late-season stages on beds were 0.62, 0.75, 1.16 and 0.67, respectively while in conventional flat land, corresponding kc values were 0.61, 0.97, 1.42 and 0.91, respectively. The kc values for wheat at four crop growth stages (initial, crop development, mid- and late-season) on raised beds were 0.98–1.06, 1.10–1.14, 1.25–1.26 and 0.46–0.47, respectively while on flat land with conventional row (20cm) spacing, corresponding kc values were 0.87, 1.12, 1.45 and 0.55, respectively. Flat beds similar spacing (20–47cm) with raised beds had comparable kc values. Bed geometry led variation in plant population density influenced strongly both crop ETc losses as well as kc values. The results provide estimates of ET0, ETc and kc for use in irrigation scheduling in bed planted rice–wheat system in the IGP of India and elsewhere with similar environmental conditions.

Crop Water Stress in Peach Orchards and Relationships with Soil Moisture Content in a Chernozem of Dobrogea

AbstractThis paper describes the crop water stress index (CWSI) related to the soil moisture content (SMC) in a chernozem of the Dobrogea region, Romania. The lower baselines (LBLs) for both sunny and shaded leaf conditions were drawn as regression equations between the difference of peach canopy temperature (Tc) and air temperature (Ta) versus the vapor pressure deficit (VPD). The lower baseline determined in the case of sunny leaves showed the highest coefficient of determination. The relationship between CWSI and the soil moisture content is inverse and highly significant, but with a low coefficient of determination. Soil variability, wind gusts, and agronomic factors could be responsible for this correlation. Irrigation should usually be applied at CWSI values of 0.18–0.20 in the case of sunny leaves. CWSI determined with the help of shaded leaves is of limited use in irrigation scheduling. The authors’ conclusion is that the sunny CWSI values of 0.18–0.20 are appropriate for irrigation application in...

Implementing the dual crop coefficient approach in interactive software. 1. Background and computational strategy

Abstract Irrigation planning and scheduling require the availability of modeling tools that are accurate, quick and easy to use. The crop coefficient ( K c )-reference evapotranspiration (ET) method is a traditional method for estimating ET, but has become relatively complicated with the introduction of the dual K c procedure. The dual crop coefficient approach ( K cb + K e ) gives a better estimation of daily crop evapotranspiration because it separately considers soil evaporation and crop transpiration. This approach allows one to plan irrigation schedules properly, especially in the case of crops that do not completely cover the soil, where evaporation from the soil surface may be substantial. The SIMDualKc software application was developed with the purpose of simplifying implementation of the computation of the crop coefficient and crop evapotranspiration using the dual crop coefficient approach over a range of cultural practices and to provide ET information for use in irrigation scheduling and hydrologic water balances. The model performs a soil water balance at the field level using a daily time step. It estimates crop transpiration and soil evaporation as well as soil water dynamics to support irrigation scheduling for full and incomplete cover crops. This paper is the first part of a two-part series, where the second part describes model testing and application for various crops, locations and irrigation management issues.

Effect of Regulated Deficit Irrigation and Crop Load on the Antioxidant Compounds of Peaches

The use of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies is becoming a common practice in areas with low water availability. Little information is available about the effects of RDI on the antioxidant content of fruits. In this study, the influence of RDI on the content of vitamin C, phenolic compounds and carotenoids was investigated. Two irrigation strategies, fully irrigated (FI) and RDI, were compared at two levels of thinning, commercial and half of the commercial crop load. RDI strategies affected the content of vitamin C, phenolics and carotenoids of Flordastar peaches. RDI caused fruit peel stress lowering the content of vitamin C and carotenoids, while increasing the phenolic content, mainly anthocyanins and procyanidins. Fruit weight was the only quality index influenced by the crop load as it increased in FI fruits at low crop load. In general, fruits from commercial crop load had slightly higher content of antioxidants to fruits from low crop load, although these influences were only observed in the peel. Additionally, the influence of irrigation controlled by two sensors related to plant water level, maximum daily trunk shrinkage (MDS) and sap flow (SF) on the antioxidant constituents of peaches was evaluated. The response of the fruits to SF sensor was similar to that observed for RDI strategy. According to the tested water sensors, SF did not act as a good plant-based water indicator for use in irrigation scheduling, as it caused an increase in the content of phenolics, similar to that observed for fruits subjected to RDI. Therefore, selection of RDI strategies and plant water indicators should be taken into account as they affect the content of antioxidants of peaches.

Daily sap flow and maximum daily trunk shrinkage measurements for diagnosing water stress in early maturing peach trees during the post-harvest period

We compared the sensitivity of two continuously recorded plant-based water stress indicators (sap flow, SF, and maximum daily trunk shrinkage, MDS) to detect changes in the water status of 4-year-old early maturing peach trees (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch cv. Flordastar grafted on GF-677 peach rootstock) during a cycle of deficit irrigation and recovery. The feasibility of obtaining SF and MDS reference equations for use in irrigation scheduling during the post-harvest period was also studied in trees irrigated in excess of crop water requirements. We found that MDS was a more sensitive and reliable detector of changes in plant water status than SF, making it a more precise tool for irrigation scheduling. Baseline relationships between SF or MDS and the climatic variables (air temperature, vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and crop reference evapotranspiration (ETo)) were established, despite some scatter in the data. Among the climatic variables, SF correlated more closely with ETo, whereas MDS correlated more closely with mean daily air temperature (T (m)). The fits of the regressions between MDS and ETo, midday air temperature and T (m) for individual periods were better than those obtained in the overall regressions, confirming that daily stem diameter variations must be considered not only in the context of plant water status but also in the context of plant carbon status.

Maximum daily trunk shrinkage reference values for irrigation scheduling in olive trees

Measurements of maximum daily trunk shrinkage (MDS) were performed on adult olive ( Olea europaea L. cv. Manzanillo) trees in an experimental farm in Seville (Spain). The objective was to study the feasibility of obtaining maximum daily trunk shrinkage baselines or reference values for use in irrigation scheduling. The trees were irrigated daily above their water requirements in order to obtain non-limiting soil water conditions. The results indicated it is possible to obtain baselines for MDS, despite a certain scattering of the data points representing the relations between MDS and the climatic variables (reference evapotranspiration, solar radiation, vapour pressure deficit and temperature). MDS behaviour was best correlated with midday vapour pressure deficit and midday air temperature ( r 2 = 0.83 and 0.79, respectively).

Relationships Between Climatic Variables and Sap Flow, Stem Water Potential and Maximum Daily Trunk Shrinkage in Lemon Trees

The feasibility of obtaining sap flow (SF), maximum daily trunk shrinkage (MDS) and midday stem water potential (Ψstem) baselines or reference values for use in irrigation scheduling was studied in adult Fino lemon trees (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. fil.) grafted on sour orange (C. aurantium L.) rootstocks. Plants were irrigated daily above their water requirements in order to obtain non-limiting soil water conditions. The results indicated that baselines for plant-based water status indicators (MDS, SF and Ψstem) can be obtained, even though there was a certain scattering of the data points representing the relations between the plant-based measurements and the environmental variables (reference evapotranspiration, solar radiation, vapour pressure deficit and temperature). SF was more closely associated with changes in the studied evaporative demand variables than were MDS and Ψstem. SF and Ψstem were more closely correlated with changes in reference evapotranspiration (ETo) (r2 = 0.93 and 0.79, respectively), while MDS behaviour was best correlated with mean daily air temperature (Tm) (r2 = 0.76). Increases in the evaporative demand induced more negative Ψstem values and, as a consequence, SF increased, which, in turn, was translated into an increase in MDS. This confirmed that SF and MDS were very good predictors of the plant water status during the observation period and their continuous recording offers the promising possibility of their use in automatic irrigation scheduling in lemon trees.

Adapting Crop-Yield Models to Irrigation Scheduling in Nigeria

Simulation models are being increasingly used to solve agricultural and environmental management problems associated with agricultural crop production, such as irrigation scheduling and design, design of tile drainage systems, pollution of surface and ground water resources by agricultural practice, and economic analysis of agricultural production. Crop-yield models have proliferated in the last decade with capabilities from simple regression models to complex physiological models with varying degrees of sophistication of the solution of the soil-water flow problem. The choice of any model depends on the nature of the problem, availability of input data, and resources. Calibration, testing, and modification of existing models or development of a new model may be necessary in a specific case. This article first reviews some of the major crop-yield models, discusses their capability and limitations for use in irrigation scheduling in a developing country such as Nigeria, and suggests further areas of research to increase their adaptation for irrigation scheduling in developing countries. It also lists some of the advantages derivable from the use of such models for irrigation scheduling and management.

Adapting Crop-Yield Models to Irrigation Scheduling in Nigeria

Abstract Simulation models are being increasingly used to solve agricultural and environmental management problems associated with agricultural crop production, such as irrigation scheduling and design, design of tile drainage systems, pollution of surface and ground water resources by agricultural practice, and economic analysis of agricultural production. Crop-yield models have proliferated in the last decade with capabilities from simple regression models to complex physiological models with varying degrees of sophistication of the solution of the soil-water flow problem. The choice of any model depends on the nature of the problem, availability of input data, and resources. Calibration, testing, and modification of existing models or development of a new model may be necessary in a specific case. This article first reviews some of the major crop-yield models, discusses their capability and limitations for use in irrigation scheduling in a developing country such as Nigeria, and suggests further areas of research to increase their adaptation for irrigation scheduling in developing countries. It also lists some of the advantages derivable from the use of such models for irrigation scheduling and management.

Phytomonitoring in Kiwifruit orchards as a plant water status indicator and its use in irrigation scheduling.

This article describes the use of phytomonitoring equipment in kiwifruit orchards in Chile. Plant growth and fruit development responses to water stress strategies are analyzed, with actual data obtained from a phytomonitor installed within a commercial orchard. Continuous monitoring of trunk, cane and fruit diameter, leaf temperature, stem sap flow velocity, soil moisture and microclimatic data (incident radiation, air temperature, wind conditions and relative air humidity) are made possible by using phytomonitoring sensors and special software. Phytomonitor Information is compared with data obtained from a conventional automatic weather station, soil tensiometers and neutron moisture probes. Normal and deficit irrigation periods are evaluated, concluding that the use of phytomonitoring techniques in irrigation management represent a significant and comprehensive breakthrough in the evaluation of plant responses to soil water availability. Este trabajo describe el uso de equipos de fitomonitoreo en un huerto de kiwi en Chile. El crecimiento vegetativo y el desarrollo de los frutos en respuesta a estrategias de riego deficitario, se analizan con datos recolectados por una bateria de sensores instalados en el interior de una plantacion comercial. Estos sensores permiten la medicion continua del diametro de troncos, brotes y frutos, asi como la temperatura foliar, el flujo de savia en el tronco, el contenido de agua en el suelo y datos microclimaticos (radiacion incidente, temperatura y humedad relativa del aire, e intensidad y direccion del viento. La informacion recolectada por los sensores es procesada con un sistema computacional especialmente disenado con este proposito. La informacion obtenida con el fitomonitor se compara con informacion obtenida de una estacion meteorologica automatica convencional, tensiometros y neutrometro de humedad del suelo. Se evaluan periodos de riego normal, alternados con eventos de riego deficitario, concluyendose que el uso de las tecnicas de fitomonitoreo para la programacion del riego representan un avance tecnologico significativo en la evaluacion de las respuestas de las plantas a las condiciones de disponibilidad hidrica.