Spectral vegetation indices for benchmarking water productivity of irrigated cotton and sugarbeet crops

Irrigation performance and water productivity can be benchmarked if estimates of spatially distributed yield and crop water use are available. A commonly used method to estimate crop evapotranspiration in irrigated areas is to multiply reference evapotranspiration values by appropriate crop coefficients. This study evaluated convenient ways to derive such coefficients using multispectral vegetation indices obtained by remote sensing. Detailed ground radiometric measurements were taken in small plots perpendicular to the crop rows to obtain canopy reflectance values. Ancillary measurements of green ground cover, plant height, leaf area index and biomass were taken in the cropped strip covered by the radiometer field-of-view. The results were up-scaled using 10 Landsat-5 and 1 Landsat-7 images. Crop measurements and ground radiometry were made at the time of Landsat overpass on two commercial fields, one grown with sugarbeet and the other with cotton. Crop height and ground cover were determined weekly in these two fields, three additional sugarbeet fields and one additional cotton field. The ground and satellite observations of canopy reflectance yielded similar results. Two vegetation indices, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) were evaluated. Both indices described the crop growth well, but SAVI was used in further evaluations because it could be conveniently related to both ground cover and the basal crop coefficient using a simple model. Based on these findings, crop water use variability was analyzed in a large sample of sugarbeet and cotton fields, within a homogeneous irrigation scheme in Southern Spain. The yield versus evapotranspiration data points were highly scattered for both cotton and sugarbeet. The yield values obtained from the sugarbeet fields and cotton fields were substantially lower than values predicted by a linear yield function, and close to a curvilinear yield function, respectively. Evapotranspired water productivity varied in the cotton fields from 0.3 to 0.78 kg m⁻³, and in the sugarbeet fields from 7.15 to 14.8 kg m⁻³.     

Using radiation thermography and thermometry to evaluate crop water stress in soybean and cotton

The use of digital infrared thermography and thermometry to investigate early crop water stress offers a producer improved management tools to avoid yield declines or to deal with variability in crop water status. This study used canopy temperature data to investigate whether an empirical crop water stress index could be used to monitor spatial and temporal crop water stress. Different irrigation treatment amounts (100%, 67%, 33%, and 0% of full replenishment of soil water to field capacity to a depth of 1.5 m) were applied by a center pivot system to soybean (Glycine max L.) in 2004 and 2005, and to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in 2007 and 2008. Canopy temperature data from infrared thermography were used to benchmark the relationship between an empirical crop water stress index (CWSI_e) and leaf water potential (Ψ_L) across a block of eight treatment plots (of two replications). There was a significant negative linear correlation between midday Ψ_L measurements and the CWSI_e after soil water differences due to irrigation treatments were well established and during the absence of heavy rainfall. Average seasonal CWSI_e values calculated for each plot from temperature measurements made by infrared thermometer thermocouples mounted on a center pivot lateral were inversely related to crop water use with r² values >0.89 and 0.55 for soybean and cotton, respectively. There was also a significant inverse relationship between the CWSI_e and soybean yields in 2004 (r² = 0.88) and 2005 (r² = 0.83), and cotton in 2007 (r² = 0.78). The correlations were not significant in 2008 for cotton. Contour plots of the CWSI_e may be used as maps to indicate the spatial variability of within-field crop water stress. These maps may be useful for irrigation scheduling or identifying areas within a field where water stress may impact crop water use and yield.     

Irrigation strategies to improve the water use efficiency of wheat-maize double cropping systems in North China Plain

Water is the most important limiting factor of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) double cropping systems in the North China Plain (NCP). A two-year experiment with four irrigation levels based on crop growth stages was used to calibrate and validate RZWQM2, a hybrid model that combines the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM) and DSSAT4.0. The calibrated model was then used to investigate various irrigation strategies for high yield and water use efficiency (WUE) using weather data from 1961 to 1999. The model simulated soil moisture, crop yield, above-ground biomass and WUE in responses to irrigation schedules well, with root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 0.029 cm³ cm⁻³, 0.59 Mg ha⁻¹, 2.05 Mg ha⁻¹, and 0.19 kg m⁻³, respectively, for wheat; and 0.027 cm³ cm⁻³, 0.71 Mg ha⁻¹, 1.51 Mg ha⁻¹ and 0.35 kg m⁻³, respectively, for maize. WUE increased with the amount of irrigation applied during the dry growing season of 2001-2002, but was less sensitive to irrigation during the wet season of 2002-2003. Long-term simulation using weather data from 1961 to 1999 showed that initial soil water at planting was adequate (at 82% of crop available water) for wheat establishment due to the high rainfall during the previous maize season. Preseason irrigation for wheat commonly practiced by local farmers should be postponed to the most sensitive growth stage (stem extension) for higher yield and WUE in the area. Preseason irrigation for maize is needed in 40% of the years. With limited irrigation available (100, 150, 200, or 250 mm per year), 80% of the water allocated to the critical wheat growth stages and 20% applied at maize planting achieved the highest WUE and the least water drainage overall for the two crops.     

基于NDWI和卷积神经网络的冬小麦产量估测方法

为进一步提高冬小麦单产估测的效率和准确性,利于宏观指导农业生产、制定冬小麦整个生长期的精准管理决策,针对目前已有的县域冬小麦单产估测方法存在时效性差、准确度低、成本高等问题,以中分辨率成像光谱仪（Moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer, MODIS)为数据源,分别提取不同时段可见光与近红外波段信息,选择归一化差值植被指数（Normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI）、归一化差值水指数（Normalized difference water index, NDWI）、土壤调节植被指数（Soil adjusted vegetation index, SAVI）、调整土壤亮度植被指数（Optimal soil adjusted vegetation index, OSAVI)、绿色归一化植被指数（Green normalized difference vegetation index, GNDVI)、改进型土壤调节植被指数（Modified soil adjusted vegetation index, MSAVI)以及绿红植被指数（Green red vegetation index, GRVI）7个遥感植被指数,以其直方图分布信息作为输入变量,应用卷积神经网络（Convolutional neural network, CNN）回归预测冬小麦产量,对比分析NDWI在冬小麦产量估测上的表现并探究其在霜冻害影响下的精度变化。研究表明,相对于植被指数NDVI、SAVI、OSAVI、GNDVI、MSAVI、GRVI,NDWI对冬小麦生育早期的产量预测表现出更好的预测效果,单产去趋势前后的NDWI对产量的预测精度均高于NDVI、SAVI等植被指数,决定系数最高可达到0.79,且在霜冻害影响下仍能保持较好的预测效果;NDWI在抽穗—灌浆阶段对冬小麦最终产量影响最大,4月23—30日时间段内NDWI对产量的决定系数可达到0.72;空间分布上,研究区域冬小麦具有东部单产最高、中部次之、西部单产最低的空间分布特征,西部和北部山区与东部黄淮海平原交界处误差较大。研究结果可为冬小麦生育早期产量预测提供科学依据。     

Assessing satellite-based basal crop coefficients for irrigated grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

A combined methodology of basal crop coefficient (K_cb) derived from vegetation indices (VI) obtained from satellite images and a daily soil water balance in the root zone of the crop was proposed to accurately estimate the daily grape crop coefficient and actual evapotranspiration. The modeled values were compared with field measurements of crop evapotranspiration (ET) using an energy balance eddy-covariance flux tower and adjusted for closure using the measured Bowen ratio. A linear relation between K_cb and VI for vineyard was obtained, K_cb = 1.44 × NDVI-0.10 and K_cb = 1.79 × SAVI-0.08. The correlation of the measured crop coefficient (K_c) and modeled (K_crf) exhibits a linear tendency, K_c = 0.96K_crf, r² = 0.67. Other derived parameters such as weekly K_c and daily and weekly ET show good consistency with measurements and higher coefficients of determination. The study of the soil water balance suggests the importance of soil water storage in grapes within the La Mancha region. These results validate the use of remote sensing as a tool for the estimation of evapotranspiration of irrigated wine grapes planted on trellis systems.     

Estimation of green bean yield, water deficiency and productivity using spectral indexes during the growing season

Field experiments were carried out in the 2004 and 2005 growing seasons on drip irrigated dwarf green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, humilis). Soil water content (SWC), spectral reflectance and yield were monitored. Based on these data crop evapotranspiration (ETc), soil water deficit index (SWDI), water use efficiency (WUE) and four separate spectral indexes were calculated. In order to determine use opportunities of spectral indexes for estimation of yield, SWDI and WUE, some statistical analyzes were made. Results showed that spectral indexes could be used for monitoring of yield, SWDI and WUE. Especially, Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) had the highest correlations with all three of the parameters. The estimation procedure which was given in this study has a potential use either during, or at the end of the growing season. Estimated values of WUE and SWDI were 3.2 (kg m^?3) and 0.12, respectively, through SAVI and the given procedure, indicates the optimal water use and yield conditions for dwarf green beans. At this situation, probably ETc was 580 mm and yield was 25.5 t ha^?1.     

Supplemental irrigation effect on canola yield components under semiarid climatic conditions

With the availability of irrigation water, supplemental irrigation in winter-grown crops, such as lentil, wheat, and barley, has been intensely practiced to prevent crop yield losses due to the incidence of intermittent drought stress. In the crop growing seasons of 2006-2007 and 2008-2009, a study was conducted to determine the effect of supplemental irrigations on Canola (Brassica napus L. cv. Elvis F1) under the semiarid climatic conditions of the Harran plain, Sanliurfa, Turkey. A sprinkler irrigation system was used to irrigate the study plots. The irrigation treatments included 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 (full irrigation) of Class-A pan evaporation amounts. The full irrigation treatment during both years consisted of 250 and 225 mm, respectively. In turn, crop water use values during the same years and treatments were 462 and 449 mm. In general, plant height and 1000 seed weight ranged from 140 to 165 cm and from 2.5 to 3.3 g, respectively, and these variables significantly differed among irrigation treatments (p < 0.05). Crop yield and above ground biomass measurements were affected by irrigation treatments and varied from 1094 to 3943 kg ha⁻¹ and from 6746 to 18,311 kg ha⁻¹, respectively (p < 0.05). Similarly, harvest index values were affected (p < 0.05) and ranged from 0.16 to 0.23 on average. The water use efficiency obtained in the different treatments indicated a strong positive relationship between crop yield and irrigation. Overall, our results indicate that supplemental irrigation substantially increased canola yield; however, for an optimum yield, full irrigation is suggested.     

Effects of deficit irrigation on the yield and yield components of drip irrigated cotton in a mediterranean environment

A field study on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L., cv.) was carried out from 2005 to 2008 in the Çukurova Region, Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey. Treatments were designated as I₁₀₀ full irrigation; DI₇₀, DI₅₀ and DI₀₀ which received 70, 50, and 0% of the irrigation water amount applied in the I₁₀₀ treatment. The irrigation water amount to be applied to the plots was calculated using cumulative pan evaporation that occurred during the irrigation intervals. The effect of water deficit or water stress on crop yield and some plant growth parameters such as yield response, water use efficiencies, dry matter yield (DM), leaf area index (LAI) as well as on lint quality components was evaluated. The average seasonal evapotranspiration ranged from 287 ± 15 (DI₀₀) to 584 ± 80 mm (I₁₀₀). Deficit irrigation significantly affected crop yield and all yield components considered in this study. The average seed cotton yield varied from 1369 ± 197 (DI₀₀) to 3397 ± 508 kg ha⁻¹ (I₁₀₀). The average water use efficiency (WUE_ET) ranged from 6.0 ± 1.6 (I₁₀₀) to 4.8 ± 0.9 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹ (DI₀₀), while average irrigation water use efficiency (WUE_I) was between 9.4 ± 3.0 (I₁₀₀) and 14.4 ± 4.8 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹ (DI₅₀). Deficit irrigation increased the harvest index (HI) values from 0.26 ± 0.054 (I₁₀₀) to 0.32 ± 0.052 kg kg⁻¹ (DI₅₀). Yield response factor (Ky) was determined to be 0.98 based on four-year average. Leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter yields (DM) increased with increasing water use. This study demonstrated that the full irrigated treatment (I₁₀₀) should be used for semiarid conditions with no water shortage. However, DI₇₀ treatment needs to be considered as a viable alternative for the development of reduced irrigation strategies in semiarid regions where irrigation water supplies are limited.     

Deficit irrigation in maize for reducing agricultural water use in a Mediterranean environment

Research on crop response to deficit irrigation is important to reduce agricultural water use in areas where water is a limited resource. Two field experiments were conducted on a loam soil in northeast Spain to characterize the response of maize (Zea mays L.) to deficit irrigation under surface irrigation. The growing season was divided into three phases: vegetative, flowering and grain filling. The irrigation treatments consisted of all possible combinations of full irrigation or limited irrigation in the three phases. Limited irrigation was applied by increasing the interval between irrigations. Soil water status, crop growth, above-ground biomass, yield and its components were measured. Results showed that flowering was the most sensitive stage to water deficit, with reductions in biomass, yield and harvest index. Average grain yield of treatments with deficit irrigation around flowering (691 g m⁻²) was significantly lower than that of the well-irrigated treatments (1069 g m⁽²). Yield reduction was mainly due to a lower number of grains per square metre. Deficit irrigation or higher interval between irrigations during the grain filling phase did not significantly affect crop growth and yield. It was possible to maintain relatively high yields in maize if small water deficits caused by increasing the interval between irrigations were limited to periods other than the flowering stage. Irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) was higher in treatments fully irrigated around flowering.     

Evapotranspiration and water use of full and deficit irrigated cotton in the Mediterranean environment in northern Syria

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is the most important industrial and summer cash crop in Syria and many other countries in the arid areas but there are concerns about future production levels, given the high water requirements and the decline in water availability. Most farmers in Syria aim to maximize yield per unit of land regardless of the quantity of water applied. Water losses can be reduced and water productivity (yield per unit of water consumed) improved by applying deficit irrigation, but this requires a better understanding of crop response to various levels of water stress. This paper presents results from a 3-year study (2004-2006) conducted in northern Syria to quantify cotton yield response to different levels of water and fertilizer. The experiment included four irrigation levels and three levels of nitrogen (N) fertilizer under drip irrigation. The overall mean cotton (lint plus seed, or lintseed) yield was 2502 kg ha⁻¹, ranging from 1520 kg ha⁻¹ under 40% irrigation to 3460 kg ha⁻¹ under 100% irrigation. Mean water productivity (WP_ET) was 0.36 kg lintseed per m³ of crop actual evapotranspiration (ET_c), ranging from 0.32 kg m⁻³ under 40% irrigation to 0.39 kg m⁻³ under the 100% treatment. Results suggest that deficit irrigation does not improve biological water productivity of drip-irrigated cotton. Water and fertilizer levels (especially the former) have significant effects on yield, crop growth and WP_ET. Water, but not N level, has a highly significant effect on crop ET_c. The study provides production functions relating cotton yield to ET_c as well as soil water content at planting. These functions are useful for irrigation optimization and for forecasting the impact of water rationing and drought on regional water budgets and agricultural economies. The WP_ET values obtained in this study compare well with those reported from the southwestern USA, Argentina and other developed cotton producing regions. Most importantly, these WP_ET values are double the current values in Syria, suggesting that improved irrigation water and system management can improve WP_ET, and thus enhance conservation and sustainability in this water-scarce region.     

Macromanagement of deficit-irrigated peanut with sprinkler irrigation

Precision irrigation management and scheduling, as well as developing site- and cultivar-specific crop coefficient (K_c), and yield response factor to water deficit (ky) are very important parameters for efficient use of limited water resources. This study investigated the effect of deficit irrigation, applied at different growth stages of peanut with sprinkler irrigation in sandy soil, on field peanut evapotranspiration (ETc), yield and yield components, and water use efficiencies (IWUE and WUE). Also, yield response factor to water deficit (ky), and site- and cultivar-specific K_c were developed. Four treatments were imposed to deficit irrigation during late vegetative and early flowering, late flowering and early pegging, pegging, and pod formation growth stages of peanut, and compared with full irrigation in the course of the season (control). A soil water balance equation was used to estimate crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The results revealed that maximum seasonal ETc was 488 mm recorded with full irrigation treatment. The maximum value of K_c (0.96) occurred at the fifth week after sowing, this value was less than the generic values listed in FAO-33 and -56 (1.03 and 1.15), respectively. Dry kernels yield among treatments differed by 41.4%. Deficit irrigation significantly affected yields, where kernels yield decreased by 28, 39, 36, and 41% in deficit-irrigated late vegetative and early flowering, late flowering and early pegging, pegging, and pod formation growth stages, respectively, compared with full irrigation treatment. Peanut yields increased linearly with seasonal ETc (R² = 0.94) and ETc/ETp (R² = 0.92) (ETp = ETc with no water stress). The yield response factor (ky), which indicates the relative reduction in yield to relative reduction in ETc, averaged 2.9, was higher than the 0.7 value reported by Doorenbos and Kassam [Doorenbos, J., Kassam, A.H., 1979. Yield response to water. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33, Rome, Italy, 193 pp.], the high ky value reflects the great sensitivity of peanut (cv. Giza 5) to water deficit. WUE values varied considerably with deficit irrigation treatments, averaging 6.1 and 4.5 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹ (dry-mass basis) for pods and kernels, respectively. Differences in WUE between the driest and wettest treatment were 31.3 and 31.3% for pods and kernels, respectively. Deficit irrigation treatments, however, impacted IWUE much more than WUE. Differences in IWUE between the driest and wettest treatment were 33.9 and 33.9% for pods and kernels, respectively. The results revealed that better management of available soil water in the root zone in the course of the season, as well as daily and seasonal accurate estimation of ETc can be an effective way for best irrigation scheduling and water allocation, maximizing yield, and optimizing economic return.     

Synthetic and organic mulching and nitrogen effect on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a semi-arid environment

Field experiments were conducted in 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 to evaluate the relative performance of synthetic (black polyethylene) and organic (paddy husk and straw) mulches on soil and plant water status vis-a-vis N uptake in wheat in a semi-arid environment of India. Scope of better utilization of soil moisture was documented through all the mulches, especially during initial crop growth stages, when the moisture content was 1-3% higher in mulches. Soil temperature was more moderate under organic mulches. Paddy husk recorded significantly higher plant biomass, while the effect of mulching in enhancing root growth was clearly documented. Organic mulches produced more roots (25 and 40% higher root weight and root length densities compared to no-mulch) in sub-surface (>0.15 m) layers, probably due to greater retention of soil moisture in deeper layers and relatively narrow range of soil temperature changes under these systems. Incremental N dose significantly improved all the plant parameters in both mulch and no-mulch treatments. Grain yield was 13-21% higher under mulch and so with increasing N levels. Nitrogen uptake was higher in organic mulches and also with higher N doses, while polyethylene mulch showed mixed trend. Mulches were effective in reducing 3-11% crop water use and improved its efficiency by 25%. Grain yield and biomass were well-correlated with leaf area index (r = 0.87 and 0.91, respectively) and water use was better correlated with root length than its weight. Results indicated substantial improvement in water and N use efficiency and crop growth in wheat under surface mulching, and the organic mulches, especially rice husk performed better than synthetic mulches.     

Effects of applied water and sprinkler irrigation uniformity on alfalfa growth and hay yield

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of applied water and sprinkler irrigation uniformity on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth and hay yield in a semi-arid region. Field experiments were carried out in 2006 in Varamin, Iran, on three plots of 25 m × 30 m. Each plot was subdivided into 25 subplots of 5 m × 6 m. Different irrigation depths and sprinkler water uniformities were obtained by various scenarios of sprinkler nozzle pressure. In each plot, applied water was measured at 250 points (125 points above and 125 points below canopy) and the soil water content of 40 cm deep below soil surface was monitored at 25 points, each in the center of a subplot, throughout the irrigation season. The results showed that sprinkler water and soil water content uniformity varied between 66-78 and 88-91%, respectively. The findings revealed that soil water content uniformity was around 20% higher than sprinkler water uniformity. The irrigation uniformity below the canopy was estimated to be 2.5% greater than above the canopy, and canopy-intercepted water could account for 11-15% of the total seasonal applied water. Evaluation showed that alfalfa leaf area index relies more heavily on farm water application uniformity than hay yield and crop height. The experimental results illustrated that water distribution in sprinkler irrigation systems has a direct effect on alfalfa growth, hay yield and water productivity such that the applied water reduction and the increased sprinkler water uniformity led to an increased alfalfa water productivity of 2.41 kg m⁻³.     

Interaction of water and nitrogen on maize grown for silage

Water scarcity and environmental pollution due to excessive nitrogen (N) applications are important environmental concerns. The Varamin region, which is located in the central part of Iran, is one of the locations where farmers apply 250-350 kg N ha⁻¹ for silage maize without any concerns with respect to the available water for irrigation. The objective of this study was to quantify the response of the silage maize (Zea mays L.) to variable irrigation and N fertilizer applications under arid and semi-arid conditions and to determine the optimum amount of N fertilizer as a function of irrigation. The maize Hybrid 704 single-cross was planted on 3 August 2003 and on 25 June 2004. The experimental treatments consisted of three N rates (0, 150, and 200 kg N ha⁻¹) and four levels of irrigation, including two deficit irrigation levels 0.70 SWD (soil water depletion) and 0.85 SWD, a full-irrigation level (1.0 SWD) and an over-irrigation level (1.13 SWD). Twelve treatments were arranged in a strip-plot design in a randomized complete block with three replicates. Gravimetric soil samples were collected in 2003 and a neutron probe was used in 2004 to measure soil water content. Leaf area index, total aboveground biomass (TB), plant height, stem diameter, and leaf, stem, and ear dry weight were measured during the growing seasons and at final harvest. Total aboveground biomass was affected by irrigation (P < 0.0001) during both years and was also affected by N fertilizer in 2003 (P = 0.0001) and 2004 (P < 0.0001). However, there was no irrigation and N fertilizer interaction for both years (P > 0.5). Total aboveground biomass and biomass of the crop components increased as a function of the amount of water and N applied. For each of the irrigation levels, there was an associated optimum amount of N, which increased as the amount of irrigation water that was applied increased. Among the four irrigation levels that were studied, 0.85 SWD was the optimum level of irrigation for the conditions at the experimental site. The results also indicated that an increase in N applications is not a good strategy to compensate for a decrease of TB under drought stress conditions. We concluded that the effect of N fertilizer on TB depends on the availability of water in the soil, and that the amount of N fertilizer applied should be decreased under drought stress conditions. Further research will combine these results with a crop simulation model to help optimize nitrogen and water management for silage maize.     

Response of soybean genotypes to different irrigation regimes in a humid region of the southeastern USA

Studies on irrigation scheduling for soybean have demonstrated that avoiding irrigation during the vegetative growth stages could result in yields as high as those obtained if the crop was fully irrigated during the entire growing season. This could ultimately also lead to an improvement of the irrigation water use efficiency. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different irrigation regimes (IRs) on growth and yield of four soybean genotypes and to determine their irrigation water use efficiency. A field experiment consisting of three IR using a lateral move sprinkler system and four soybean genotypes was conducted at the Bledsoe Research Farm of The University of Georgia, USA. The irrigation treatments consisted of full season irrigated (FSI), start irrigation at flowering (SIF), and rainfed (RFD); the soybean genotypes represented maturity groups (MGs) V, VI, VII, and VIII. A completely randomized block design in a split-plot array with four replicates was used with IR as the main treatment and the soybean MGs as the sub-treatment. Weather variables and soil moisture were recorded with an automatic weather station located nearby, while rainfall and irrigation amounts were recorded with rain gauges located in the experimental field. Samplings for growth analysis of the plant and its components as well as leaf area index (LAI) and canopy height were obtained every 12 days. The irrigation water use efficiency (I_WUE) or ratio of the difference between irrigated and rainfed yield to the amount of irrigation water applied was estimated. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between IR for dry matter of the plant and its components, canopy height, and maximum leaf area index as well as significant differences (P < 0.05) between MGs due to IR. Differences for the interaction between IR and MG were significant (P < 0.05) only for dry matter of pods and seed yield. In general, seed yield increased at a rate of 7.20 kg for each mm of total water received (rainfall + irrigation) by the crop. Within IR, significant differences (P < 0.05) on I_WUE were found between maturity groups with values as low as 0.55 kg m⁻³ for MG V and as high as 1.14 kg m⁻³ for MG VI for the FSI treatment and values as low as 0.48 kg m⁻³ for maturity group V and as high as 1.02 kg m⁻³ for maturity group VI for the SIF treatment. We also found that there were genotypic differences with respect to their efficiency to use water, stressing the importance of cultivar selection as a key strategy for achieving optimum yields with reduced use of water in supplemental irrigation.     

Effects of different emitter space and water stress on yield and quality of processing tomato under semi-arid climate conditions

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of different emitter spaces and water stress on crop yield, such that the tomatoes would be suitable for processing and paste output (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv. Shasta). Such variables were also analyzed with respect to crop quality characteristics (e.g., mean fruit weight - MFW, fruit diameter - FD, penetration value of fruit - PV, pH, total soluble solids - TSS, and ascorbic acid contents - AA). The experiment was conducted under ecological conditions typical of the Konya Plain, a semi-arid climate, in 2004 and 2005. Drip irrigation laterals were arranged in such a way that every row had one lateral. Emitters were spaced at 25, 50, and 75 cm intervals in the main plots, while four levels of water supply, irrigation at 7-day intervals with enough water to fill the soil depth of 0-60 cm until capacity was reached (I₁), and 25, 50, and 75% decreased water supply levels were applied as subplots of the experiment. Results of the field experiments showed that yield suitable for processing (68.7-72.7 t ha⁻¹) and paste output (12.2-12.9 t ha⁻¹) were obtainable under conditions of I₁ application (p < 0.01). MFW, FD, PV, and TSS were significantly affected from treatments (p < 0.05). High stress resulted in the highest soluble solids. The total irrigation water amount and water consumptive use of the mentioned application (I₁) were determined as 426 and 525 mm in 2004. In 2005, the total irrigation water amount and water consumptive use of the same treatment were 587 and 619 mm, respectively.     

Potential impacts of water harvesting and ecological sanitation on crop yield, evaporation and river flow regimes in the Thukela River basin, South Africa

In this study we explore the potential impacts of two strategies, namely in situ water harvesting (in situ WH) and fertilisation with stored human urine (Ecosan), to increase the water and nutrient availability in rain-fed smallholder agriculture in South Africa's Thukela River basin (29,000 km²). We use the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) to simulate potential impacts on smallholder maize yields, river flow regimes, plant transpiration, and soil and canopy evaporation during 1997-2006. Based on the results, the impacts on maize yields are likely to be small with in situ WH (median change: 0%) but significant with Ecosan (median increase: 30%). The primary causes for these effects are high nitrogen stress on crop growth, and low or untimed soil moisture enhancement with in situ WH. However, the impacts vary significantly in time and space, occasionally resulting in yield increases of up to 40% with in situ WH. Soil fertility improvements primarily increase yield magnitudes, whereas soil moisture enhancements reduce spatial yield variability. Ecosan significantly improves the productivity of the evaporative fluxes by increasing transpiration (median: 2.8%, 4.7 mm season⁻¹) and reducing soil and canopy evaporation (median: −1.7%, −4.5 mm season⁻¹). In situ WH does not generally affect the river flow regimes. Occasionally, significant regime changes occur due to enhanced lateral and shallow aquifer return flows. This leads to higher risks of flooding in some areas, but also to enhanced low flows, which help sustain aquatic ecosystems in the basin.     

Corn crop response under managing different irrigation and salinity levels

Non-uniformity of water distribution under irrigation system creates both deficit and surplus irrigation areas. Water salinity can be hazard on crop production; however, there is little information on the interaction of irrigation and salinity conditions on corn (Zea Mays) growth and production. This study evaluated the effect of salinity and irrigation levels on growth and yield of corn grown in the arid area of Egypt. A field experiment was conducted using corn grown in northern Egypt at Quesina, Menofia in 2009 summer season to evaluate amount of water applied, salinity hazard and their interactions. Three salinity levels and five irrigation treatments were arranged in a randomized split-plot design with salinity treatments as main plots and irrigation rates within salinity treatments. Salinity treatments were to apply fresh water (0.89 dS m⁻¹), saline water (4.73 dS m⁻¹), or mixing fresh plus saline water (2.81 dS m⁻¹). Irrigation treatments were a ratio of crop evapotranspiration (ET) as: 0.6ET, 0.8ET, 1.0ET, 1.2ET, and 1.4ET. In well-watered conditions (1.0ET), seasonal water usable by corn was 453, 423, and 380 mm for 0.89EC, 2.81EC and 4.73EC over the 122-day growing season, respectively. Soil salt accumulation was significantly increased by either irrigation salinity increase or amount decrease. But, soil infiltration was significantly decreased by either salinity level or its interaction with irrigation amount. Leaf temperature, transpiration rate, and stomata resistance were significantly affected by both irrigation and salinity levels with interaction. Leaf area index, harvest index, and yield were the greatest when fresh and adequate irrigation was applied. Grain yield was significantly affected in a linear relationship (r² ≥ 0.95) by either irrigation or salinity conditions with no interaction. An optimal irrigation scheduling was statistically developed based on crop response for a given salinity level to extrapolate data from the small experiment (uniform condition) to big field (non-uniformity condition) under the experiment constraints.     

Evaluating the Crop Water Stress Index and its correlation with latent heat and CO2 fluxes over winter wheat and maize in the North China plain

Plant water status is a key factor impacting crop growth and agricultural water management. Crop water stress may alter canopy temperature, the energy balance, transpiration, photosynthesis, canopy water use efficiency, and crop yield. The objective of this study was to calculate the Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) from canopy temperature and energy balance measurements and evaluate the utility of CWSI to quantify water stress by comparing CWSI to latent heat and carbon dioxide (CO₂) flux measurements over canopies of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and summer maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was conducted at the Yucheng Integrated Agricultural Experimental Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences from 2003 to 2005. Latent heat and CO₂ fluxes (by eddy covariance), canopy and air temperature, relative humidity, net radiation, wind speed, and soil heat flux were averaged at half-hour intervals. Leaf area index and crop height were measured every 7 days. CWSI was calculated from measured canopy-air temperature differences using the Jackson method. Under high net radiation conditions (greater than 500 W m⁻²), calculated values of minimum canopy-air temperature differences were similar to previously published empirically determined non-water-stressed baselines. Valid measures of CWSI were only obtained when canopy closure minimized the influence of viewed soil on infrared canopy temperature measurements (leaf area index was greater than 2.5 m² m⁻²). Wheat and maize latent heat flux and canopy CO₂ flux generally decreased linearly with increases in CWSI when net radiation levels were greater than 300 W m⁻². The responses of latent heat flux and CO₂ flux to CWSI did not demonstrate a consistent relationship in wheat that would recommend it as a reliable water stress quantification tool. The responses of latent heat flux and CO₂ flux to CWSI were more consistent in maize, suggesting that CWSI could be useful in identifying and quantifying water stress conditions when net radiation was greater than 300 W m⁻². The results suggest that CWSI calculated by the Jackson method under varying solar radiation and wind speed conditions may be used for irrigation scheduling and agricultural water management of maize in irrigated agricultural regions, such as the North China Plain.     

Impact of soil water stress on Nigellone oil content of black cumin seeds grown in calcareous-gypsifereous soils

Nigellone (dithymoquinone) is the main active constituent of volatile oil of black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds. It is presently used in traditional medicines, for culinary as ornamentals, and is also considered for its abundant nectar secretion. While black cumin, investigated recently (for the oil, essential oil, and other biologically active constituents of their seeds) the effects of deficit irrigation on seeds Nigellone content produced on gypsifereous soils are not known. Randomized complete block design experiments were conducted with three replications and four irrigation treatments on soils with five different gypsum contents over two growing seasons (2008-2009 and 2009-2010). These experiments aim to monitor and quantify water stress and Nigellone volatile oil content of black cumin as a function of crop water stress index and soil gypsum content. The soil gypsum content treatments were 60.0 (G₁), 137.6 (G₂), 275.2 (G₃), 314.2 (G₄) and 486.0 (G₅) g kg⁻¹. Three irrigation treatments were based on replenishing the 0.60 m deep root zone to field capacity when the maximum allowable depletion (MAD) of the available soil water holding capacity of 25% (I₁), 50% (I₂) and 75% (I₃) were maintained in the crop experiments. A dryland treatment (fully stressed, I₄) was also included. The lower (non-stressed) and upper (stressed) baselines were measured to calculate crop water stress index. The crop water stress index behaved as expected, dropping to near zero following an irrigation and increasing gradually as black cumin plants depleted soil water reserves. The seasonal mean values of crop water stress index for the irrigation treatments; I₁, I₂, and I₃ were increased from 0.189, 0.287, 0.380 to 0.239, 0.366, 0.467, respectively when the soil gypsum content increased from 60.0 to 486.0 g kg⁻¹. The highest Nigellone volatile oil content of black cumin seeds was obtained for G₁I₁ treatment (5.1 g kg⁻¹) while the lowest content (3.5 g kg⁻¹) was obtained for G₅I₁ treatment. Equations that can be used to predict the Nigellone volatile oil content of black cumin seeds were developed for the three irrigation schedules of different maximum allowable depletion of available soil water holding capacity using the relationships between the Nigellone volatile oil content and the seasonal mean crop water stress index for different soil gypsum contents. The relationships between black cumin seed yield, Nigellone volatile oil content and seasonal mean crop water stress index values were primarily linear. These relations can be used to predict the yield of black cumin seeds, seeds Nigellone volatile oil content, and irrigation timing in soils with different soil gypsum contents. Thus, the obtained data will be beneficial for further research.