Water scarcity and inputs of nutrients from irrigation in olive groves of Crete Island,Greece

Water availability is an important factor for irrigated agriculture in the Mediterranean countries, because it affects significantly crop production. Surface soil samples were collected in Merambelo area located in Eastern Crete and analyzed. High values for exchangeable potassium and magnesium values were recorded and can be attributed to intensive fertilization and soil heredity factors. Groundwater quality based on two sampling campaigns performed during two irrigation periods. Three different scenarios were taken into account regarding the height of water application by means of irrigation. The contribution and the effects of nutrients and micronutrients from irrigation water to the soil was calculated, on the basis of the mean determined concentrations and the volume of applied irrigation. Significant variation was recorded in most soil properties, and these differences may be attributed to different mobility of nutrients, erosion factors, fertilization practices, and hydraulic soil properties.