Calibration, testing and application of the AquaCrop model for bean crop under irrigation regimes.

Crop growth simulation models relate the soil-water-plant-atmosphere components to estimate the development and yield of plants in different scenarios, enabling the identification of efficient irrigation strategies. The aim of this study was to calibrate crop coefficients for a common bean cultivar (IAPAR 57) and assess the AquaCrop model's efficacy in simulating crop growth under different irrigation regimes (T0 - non-irrigated, T1-fully irrigated, and T2-deficit irrigated) and sowing dates (S1-March 21, S2-April 24, and S3-August 23). Successful calibration was achieved for crop seasons with suitable temperatures to crop growth (S1 and S3). However, during periods with suboptimal temperatures (April 24 season), coupled with reduced irrigation supply (T0 and T2), the AquaCrop model did not appropriately account for the combined effects of thermal and water stresses. Despite adjustments to stress coefficients, this led to an overestimation of crop growth and yield. In long-term simulations, the model successfully replicated the variability of crop water availability over cropping seasons, reflecting the impact of precipitation variations. It recommended irrigation strategies for the study region (irrigate at depletion of 120 and 170% of readily available water for sowing on March 21 and August 24, respectively) to achieve high crop yield (> 2,769 kg ha-1) and water productivity (1,050 to 1,445 kg m-3) with minimal application depths (< 150 mm). While acknowledging the need for improvements in thermal stress calculations, the AquaCrop model demonstrates promising utility in studies and applications where water availability significantly influences crop production.

Deficit Irrigation with Silicon Application as Strategy to Increase Yield, Photosynthesis and Water Productivity in Lettuce Crops.

In regions where water is a limited resource, lettuce production can be challenging. To address this, water management strategies like deficit irrigation are used to improve water-use efficiency in agriculture. Associating this strategy with silicon (Si) application could help maintain adequate levels of agricultural production even with limited water availability. Two lettuce crop cycles were conducted in a completely randomized design, with a factorial scheme (2 × 3), with three irrigation levels (60%, 80% and 100%) of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and with and without Si application. To explore their combined effects, morphological, productive, physiological and nutritional parameters were evaluated in the crops. The results showed that deficit irrigation and Si application had a positive interaction: lettuce yield of the treatment with 80% ETc + Si was statistically similar to 100% ETc without Si in the first cycle, and the treatment with 60% ETc + Si was similar to 100% ETc without Si in the second cycle. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, transpiration rate and total chlorophyll content increased under water-stress conditions with Si application; in the first cycle, the treatment with 80% ETc + Si increased by 30.1%, 31.3%, 7.8%, 28.46% and 50.3% compared to the same treatment without Si, respectively. Si application in conditions of water deficit was also beneficial to obtain a cooler canopy temperature and leaves with higher relative water content. In conclusion, we found that Si applications attenuate water deficit effects and provide a strategy to ameliorate the yield and water productivity in lettuce crops, contributing to more sustainable practices in agriculture.

Water strategy improves the inflorescence primordia formation of 'Arra 15' grapevine in the Brazilian semiarid region.

Failure in irrigation management of grapevines grown in the Brazilian semiarid region can affect bud fertility. Adequate irrigation, considering both the development of bunches in the current cycle and the formation of fertile buds for subsequent cycles, can bring significant advances to viticulture. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the effect of different irrigation levels during flowering on the formation of buds and potential bunches of 'Arra 15' grapevine and its relationship with metabolic processes. A field experiment was carried out in a commercial vineyard in Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil, during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The experiment was designed in randomized blocks with four replications and five irrigation levels (70; 85; 100; 115 and 130% of crop evapotranspiration - ETc) during three production cycles. The variables fertile bud, vegetative bud, dead bud, potential fertility of the basal, median, and apical regions of the branches, number of potential bunches, reducing sugar, total soluble sugar, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and relative chlorophyll index were evaluated. The 115% ETc irrigation level improved the number of fertile buds and number of potential bunches. Irrigation level above 115% ETc increased gas exchange and relative chlorophyll index, while 70% ETc increased leaf sugar content. The most appropriate irrigation strategy is the application of 115% ETc during the flowering stage, for the increase of fertile buds and potential bunches of the next cycle, without influencing the vine metabolism. Total soluble sugars are a promising indicator of water deficit during flowering and as an indicator of vegetative bud formation for the next cycle.

Optimizing evapotranspiration and crop irrigation requirements of tropical forages cropping systems in Southern Brazil.

Crop irrigation requirements are usually estimated based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc) as determined by the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and crop coefficient (Kc). There is a lack of knowledge on the irrigation requirements of tropical forage crops in Brazil, contrasting with the increasing use of irrigation in pastures. The effort of this study was to investigate what would be the water needs of tropical forages in Southern Brazil, based on a robust experimental database. The study was carried out in São Paulo State-Brazil using different forages species and their combinations [Guinea grass (GG); Guinea grass + black oat + ryegrass (GOR); Bermuda grass (BG), and Bermuda + black oat + ryegrass (BOR)]. The experimental fields were fully irrigated, and the Kc values were derived from ETc measurements on lysimeters; ETo was estimated using daily data from a nearby weather station and the standard FAO56 parameterization. Mean daily ETc values for GG, GOR, BG and BOR were 4.1, 2.9, 3.6, and 3.4 mm, respectively, and respective mean Kc values were 0.99, 0.90, 1.0, and 0.94. Average Kc values for all plots decreased as ETo increased, producing a negative Kc-ETo relationship, mainly when ETo reached values greater than 5 mm d-1. This was most likely due to internal plant stomatal resistance to vapor release from the leaves diffusing to the atmosphere at high ETo. So, the time-based Kc curves described by FAO 56 manual should be adjusted for the analyzed crops considering different ranges of ETo to improve the required irrigation depth.

Biomass components and water use efficiency in cactus pear under different irrigation systems and harvest frequencies

The objective was to evaluate the effect of different irrigation systems and harvest frequencies on the cultivation of cactus pear. The study was conducted in the semi-arid region, in the municipality of Russas, CE, Brazil. The experiment was a split plot randomized block design, with four replications. Plots were represented by irrigation systems (surface drip, microsprinkler, Micro Spray Jet, and conventional sprinkler) and subplots by harvest frequencies (6, 9, 12, and 18 months). Cactus pear biomass production characteristics were evaluated. Most of the productive characteristics evaluated were influenced by harvest frequency and irrigation system. The harvest frequency of 12 months combined with conventional sprinkler system resulted in a total dry biomass production of 16,400 kg ha−1. The conventional sprinkler system showed the highest number of second-order cladodes (4.9 cladodes plant−1). The conventional sprinkler and Micro Spray Jet systems showed the highest values for various structural characteristics. For water use efficiency (WUE), the highest value was found at the frequency of six months (8.46 kg ha−1 mm−1). Regarding the effects of irrigation system on WUE, the highest values were observed with the conventional sprinkler system (8.20 kg ha−1 mm−1). The harvest frequency of 12 months combined with the conventional sprinkler system presents better results in the evaluated productive characteristics, mainly the cactus pear production by area.(AU)

Physiological and biochemical responses of mini watermelon irrigated with brackish water under two types of irrigation system / Respostas fisiológicas e bioquímicas de minimelancia irrigada com água salobra sob dois tipos de sistema de irrigação

The use of marginal quality water can be a viable alternative in regions with water scarcity when associated with an adequate irrigation management strategy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological and biochemical responses of 'Sugar Baby' mini watermelon as a function of irrigation management and salinity of the nutrient solution (ECsol). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse of the Federal University of Recôncavo of Bahia, in the municipality of Cruz das Almas - BA, in a completely randomized design, with four replications. The plants were grown under two types of irrigation management (conventional drip - CD and pulse - PD) and four saline levels of the fertigation nutrient solution (2.5 - control; 4.5; 5.5; 6.5 dS m-1). At 65 days after cultivation, the following variables were evaluated: chlorophyll a and b content, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and organic and inorganic solutes content. The treatments did not influence the levels of chlorophyll a and b. Salinity decreased the quantum yield of photochemical energy conversion due to the increased quantum yield of unregulated energy loss. Irrigation management and water salinity did not affect carbohydrate content in mini watermelons leaves. However, soluble proteins were higher in the CD than in PD and decreased with increasing salinity in both managements. Salinity increased free amino acids in CD but did not change the content of these solutes in PD. Free proline was only influenced by the management system and was higher in CD than in PD. Sodium, chloride, and sodium to potassium ratio increased with ECsol, but these increases were more pronounced in PD. Salinity increased potassium content in PD and reduced in CD. The CD led to lower absorption of toxic ions, reducing the effects of salinity on the mini watermelon.(AU)

A utilização de água da qualidade marginal pode ser uma alternativa viável em regiões com escassez hídrica, quando associada a estratégias de manejo de irrigação adequadas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as respostas fisiológicas e bioquímicas da minimelancia 'Sugar Baby' em função dos manejos de irrigação e da salinidade da solução nutritiva (CEsol). O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação da Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, no município de Cruz das Almas, BA, Brasil, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizados com quatro repetições. As plantas foram cultivadas sob dois tipos de manejo de irrigação (gotejamento convencional - GC e por pulsos ­ GP) e quatro níveis salinos da solução nutritiva de fertirrigação (2,5 - controle; 4,5; 5,5; 6,5 dS m-1). Aos 65 dias após semeadura, foram avaliadas as variáveis: teores de clorofilas a e b, fluorescência da clorofila a e teores de solutos orgânicos e inorgânicos. Os tratamentos não influenciaram os teores de clorofila a e b. A salinidade diminuiu o rendimento quântico da conversão de energia fotoquímica com aumento na dissipação de energia não regulada, sendo que ambos são vias competitivas de energia entre si. O tipo de manejo e a salinidade não afetaram os teores de carboidratos nas folhas de minimelancia. Entretanto, as proteínas solúveis foram maiores no GC que no GP e diminuíram com o incremento da salinidade em ambos os manejos. A salinidade aumentou os aminoácidos livres no GC, mas não alterou o conteúdo destes solutos no GP. Os teores de prolina livre só foram influenciados pelo tipo de manejo, sendo maiores no GC que no GP. Os íons sódio e cloreto e a razão sódio/potássio aumentaram com a CEsol, sendo esses aumentos mais pronunciados no GP. A salinidade aumentou os teores de potássio no GP e diminuiu no GC. O GC levou a uma menor absorção de íons tóxicos, atenuando os efeitos da salinidade sobre a minimelancia.(AU)

Lâminas de irrigação e hidrogel nas taxas de crescimento e produção de tomateiro / Irrigation depths and hydrogel on tomato growth and production rates / Láminas de riego e hidrogel en las tasas de crecimiento y producción de tomate

O tomateiro é uma das hortaliças de maior importância econômica a nível mundial. No entanto, sua produção pode ser limitada por diversos fatores, sendo o manejo da água o principal fator limitante. Dessa forma, o uso de tecnologias que melhorem a eficiência no uso da água é de extrema importância, destacando-se entre estas o uso de hidrogel. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se nesse trabalho avaliar as taxas de crescimento e produção do tomateiro sob lâminas de irrigação e volumes de hidrogel. O experimento foi conduzido em esquema fatorial 3x4, em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições, sendo os fatores: três volumes de hidrogel previamente hidratado (0, 50 e 100 ml por planta); e 4 lâminas de irrigação (40, 60, 80 e 100% da evapotranspiração da cultura). Foram avaliadas as taxas de crescimento absoluto e relativo da altura de planta e diâmetro do caule, massa média dos frutos e a produtividade por planta. Os resultados evidenciaram que a redução das lâminas de irrigação levou a redução linear das taxas de crescimento absolutas e relativas de altura e diâmetro. Perante essas mesmas condições, também houve redução da massa média dos frutos e da produtividade por planta. O uso de hidrogel não afetou nenhuma das características avaliadas, dessa forma, recomenda-se a sua não utilização nas condições desse estudo. Indica-se a utilização da lâmina de reposição de 100% da ETc.(AU)

Tomato is one of the most economically relevant vegetables worldwide. However, its production can be limited by several factors, with water management being the main limiting factor. Thus, the use of technologies that improve efficiency in the use of water are extremely important, with emphasis on the use of hydrogel. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and production rates of tomato under irrigation depths and hydrogel volumes. The experiment was carried out in a 3x4 factorial scheme, in randomized blocks with four replications, with the following factors: three volumes of previously hydrated hydrogel (0, 50 and 100 ml per plant); and 4 irrigation depths (40, 60, 80 and 100% evapotranspiration of the crop). The absolute and relative growth rates of plant height and stem diameter, average fruit mass, and productivity per plant were evaluated. The results showed that the reduction of irrigation depths led to a linear reduction in absolute and relative growth rates in both height and diameter. Under these same conditions, there was also a reduction in the average fruit mass and productivity per plant. The use of hydrogel did not affect any of the evaluated characteristics; therefore, it is recommended not to use it under the conditions of this study. It is recommended to use the 100% ETc replacement blade.(AU)

El tomate es una de las hortalizas de mayor importancia económica a nivel mundial. Sin embargo, su producción puede verse limitada por varios factores, siendo la gestión del agua el principal factor limitante. Por ello, el uso de tecnologías que mejoren la eficiencia en el uso del agua es de suma importancia, con énfasis en el uso de hidrogel. En ese sentido, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las tasas de crecimiento y producción de tomate en láminas de riego y volúmenes de hidrogel. El experimento se realizó en un esquema factorial 3x4, en bloques al azar con cuatro repeticiones, siendo los factores: tres volúmenes de hidrogel previamente hidratado (0, 50 y 100 ml por planta); y 4 láminas de riego (40, 60, 80 y 100% evapotranspiración del cultivo). Se evaluaron las tasas de crecimiento absoluto y relativo de la altura de la planta y el diámetro del tallo, la masa promedio de frutos y la productividad por planta. Los resultados mostraron que la reducción de las láminas de riego condujo a una reducción lineal en las tasas de crecimiento absoluto y relativo en altura y diámetro. En estas mismas condiciones, también se redujo la masa media de frutos y de la productividad por planta. El uso de hidrogel no afectó ninguna de las características evaluadas, por lo que se recomienda no utilizarlo en las condiciones de ese estudio. Se recomienda utilizar la lámina de repuesto del 100% del ETc.(AU)

Determination of evapotranspiration and crop coefficient for cauliflower at Paranánorthwest region / Determinação da evapotranspiração e coeficiente da cultura da couve-flor na região noroeste do Paraná

Evapotranspirationand the estimation of crop coefficient (Kc) are essential information for irrigation management, contributing to increase the water use efficiency and optimizing resources, mainly using local data. This study aimed to determine the water consumption and the crop coefficient of cauliflower (Barcelona hybrid) in the northwestern region of Paraná. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Technical Irrigation Centerbelonging to the State University of Maringá, in Maringá -PR. The crop evapotranspiration was determined using constant water table lysimeters, and the reference evapotranspiration was estimated by the Penman-Monteith method (FAO), using climatological data collected in an automatic meteorological station. The cultivation was carried out from April to July. The total water consumption by the cauliflower was 215.11 mm, a higher value than that available in the FAO recommendations. The crop coefficient (Kc) recommended values for local conditions are 0.74 for the initial stage, 1.86 for the intermediate stage, and 1.50 for the final stage.

A evapotranspiraçãoe a estimativa dos coeficientes da cultura (Kc) são informações fundamentais para o manejo da irrigação, contribuindo para o aumento da eficiência no uso da água e otimização dos recursos, principalmente a utilizar dados locais. O trabalho teve como objetivo determinar o consumo hídrico e o coeficiente da cultura da couve-flor (híbrido Barcelona) na região noroeste do Paraná. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação no Centro Técnico de Irrigação pertencente à Universidade Estadual de Maringá, em Maringá -PR. A evapotranspiração da cultura foi determinada utilizando lisímetros de lençol freático constante, e a evapotranspiração de referência foi estimada pelo método de Penman-Monteith (FAO), a partir de informações climatológicas coletadas em estação meteorológica automática. O cultivo foi realizado no período de abril a julho. O consumo total de água pela cultura da couve-flor foi de 215,11 mm, sendo um valor maior do que o disponível nas recomendações da FAO. Os valores recomendados de coeficiente da cultura (Kc) para as condições de cultivo são de 0,74 para o estádio inicial, 1,86 para o estádio intermediário e 1,50 para o estádio final.

Spatio-temporal variability of biophysical parameters of irrigated maize using orbital remote sensing / Variabilidade espaço-temporal de parâmetros biofisícos do milho irrigado utilizando sensoriamento remoto orbital

This study proposes to estimate the actual crop evapotranspiration, using the SAFER model, as well as calculate the crop coefficient (Kc) as a function of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and determine the biomass of an irrigated maize crop using images from the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared (TIRS) sensors of the Landsat-8 satellite. Pivots 21 to 26 of a commercial farm located in the municipalities of Bom Jesus da Lapa and Serra do Ramalho, west of Bahia State, Brazil, were selected. Sowing dates for each pivot were arranged as North and South or East and West, with cultivation starting firstly in one of the orientations and subsequently in the other. The relationship between NDVI and the Kc values obtained in the FAO-56 report (KcFAO) revealed a high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.7921), showing that the variance of KcFAO can be explained by NDVI in the maize crop. Considering the center pivots with different planting dates, the crop evapotranspiration (ETc ) pixel values ranged from 0.0 to 6.0 mm d-1 during the phenological cycle. The highest values were found at 199 days of the year (DOY), corresponding to around 100 days after sowing (DAS). The lowest BIO values occur at 135 DOY, at around 20 DAS. There is a relationship between ETc and BIO, where the DOY with the highest BIO are equivalent to the days with the highest ETc values. In addition to this relationship, BIO is strongly influenced by soil water availability.(AU)

Objetivou-se com o presente estudo estimar a evapotranspiração real da cultura por meio do modelo SAFER, calcular o Kc em função do NDVI e a biomassa da cultura do milho irrigado, utilizando para isso imagens dos sensores Operacional Land Imager (OLI) e Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) do satélite Landsat-8. Foram selecionados os pivôs 21 ao 26 de uma fazenda comercial localizada nos municípios de Bom Jesus da Lapa e Serra do Ramalho, situadas no oeste do estado da Bahia, Brasil. As épocas de semeadura dentro dos pivôs são ordenadas em Norte e Sul ou Leste e Oeste, iniciando o cultivo primeiro em uma das orientações e posteriormente na outra. Verifica-se com base na relação entre NDVI e KcFAO, um alto valor do coeficiente de determinação (R2=0,7921), evidenciando que a variância do KcFAO pode ser explicada pelo NDVI na cultura do milho. Considerando-se os pivôs centrais com diferentes datas de plantio, os valores dos pixels da ETc variaram de 0,0 a 6,0 mm d-1 durante o ciclo fenológico. Os maiores valores foram encontrados para o DOY 199, correspondendo ao DAS em torno de 100 dias. Os valores mais baixos da BIO ocorrem aos 135 DOY em torno de 20 DAS. É observado que existe uma relação entre a ETc e BIO, os DOY mais elevados da BIO são equivalentes com os maiores valores de ETc . Além desta relação, a BIO é fortemente influenciada pela disponibilidade hídrica no solo.(AU)

Determination of evapotranspiration and crop coefficient for cauliflower at Paranánorthwest region / Determinação da evapotranspiração e coeficiente da cultura da couve-flor na região noroeste do Paraná

Evapotranspirationand the estimation of crop coefficient (Kc) are essential information for irrigation management, contributing to increase the water use efficiency and optimizing resources, mainly using local data. This study aimed to determine the water consumption and the crop coefficient of cauliflower (Barcelona hybrid) in the northwestern region of Paraná. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Technical Irrigation Centerbelonging to the State University of Maringá, in Maringá -PR. The crop evapotranspiration was determined using constant water table lysimeters, and the reference evapotranspiration was estimated by the Penman-Monteith method (FAO), using climatological data collected in an automatic meteorological station. The cultivation was carried out from April to July. The total water consumption by the cauliflower was 215.11 mm, a higher value than that available in the FAO recommendations. The crop coefficient (Kc) recommended values for local conditions are 0.74 for the initial stage, 1.86 for the intermediate stage, and 1.50 for the final stage.(AU)

A evapotranspiraçãoe a estimativa dos coeficientes da cultura (Kc) são informações fundamentais para o manejo da irrigação, contribuindo para o aumento da eficiência no uso da água e otimização dos recursos, principalmente a utilizar dados locais. O trabalho teve como objetivo determinar o consumo hídrico e o coeficiente da cultura da couve-flor (híbrido Barcelona) na região noroeste do Paraná. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação no Centro Técnico de Irrigação pertencente à Universidade Estadual de Maringá, em Maringá -PR. A evapotranspiração da cultura foi determinada utilizando lisímetros de lençol freático constante, e a evapotranspiração de referência foi estimada pelo método de Penman-Monteith (FAO), a partir de informações climatológicas coletadas em estação meteorológica automática. O cultivo foi realizado no período de abril a julho. O consumo total de água pela cultura da couve-flor foi de 215,11 mm, sendo um valor maior do que o disponível nas recomendações da FAO. Os valores recomendados de coeficiente da cultura (Kc) para as condições de cultivo são de 0,74 para o estádio inicial, 1,86 para o estádio intermediário e 1,50 para o estádio final.(AU)

Controlled water stress in agricultural crops in brazilian cerrado / Estresse hídrico controlado em lavouras agrícolas no cerrado brasileiro

Considering the scenarios with reduction of water availability, the need to increase water use efficiency and crop yield, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of reducing the evapotranspiration of the main irrigated crops on productivity. Data from the years 2005 to 2016 for carrot, garlic, potato, sugarcane, bean, maize, soybean, wheat, coffee and cotton crops grown in the Brazilian states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Goiás, Distrito Federal and Mato Grosso were collected. The crops were irrigated by central-pivot irrigation and drip irrigation systems, and irrigation management was performed using IRRIGER® software. With the information on potential crop evapotranspiration (ETpc) and crop evapotranspiration (ETc), it was possible to obtain a reduction of ETpc (%) for all crops. For all scenarios, these data were confronted with crop productivity and regression models were fitted. It was concluded that the maximum reductions of ETpc (%) without affecting productivity are 5% for garlic and potato, 12% for maize, 13% for bean, 15% for wheat, 20% for soybean and cotton, 25% for sugarcane and 30% for coffee.

Diante dos cenários com redução da disponibilidade hídrica, necessidade de aumento da eficiência no uso da água e da produtividade das culturas agrícolas, objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar o efeito da redução da evapotranspiração na produtividade das principais culturas irrigadas. Informações foram coletadas nas safras dos anos de 2005 à 2016 para as culturas da cenoura, alho, batata, cana-de-açúcar, feijão, milho, soja, trigo, café e algodão cultivadas nos estados da Bahia (BA), Minas Gerais (MG), São Paulo (SP), Goiás (GO), Distrito Federal (DF) e Mato Grosso (MT). As culturas foram irrigadas por sistemas de irrigação por pivô central e gotejamento, sendo que os manejos de irrigação foram realizados por meio do software IRRIGER®. Com as informações de evapotranspiração potencial da cultura (ETpc) e evapotranspiração da cultura (ETc) foi possível obter a redução da ETpc (%) para todos os cultivos. Para todos os cenários, estes dados foram confrontados com a produtividade das culturas e modelos de regressão foram ajustados. Concluiu-se que a redução máxima de ETpc (%) sem afetar a produtividade é 5% para o alho e batata, 12% para o milho, 13% para o feijão, 15% para o trigo, 20% para a soja e algodão, 25% para a cana-de-açúcar e 30% para o café.

Reference evapotranspiration during rainy and dry seasons in Mossoró, RN, Brazil / Evapotranspiração de referência nos períodos chuvoso e seco em Mossoró-RN

Mossoró, RN, Brazil, is considered one of the fruit growing centers of the Northeast region. This municipality has a persistent water deficit, with the need to develop irrigated agriculture with efficient water use and rational management of irrigation. The objective of this study was to evaluate estimation methods of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) for different climate conditions of Mossoró, comparing them with the standard Penman-Monteith-FAO 56 method. A daily data series of two distinct years, a rainy (2011) and a dry year (2012), was used. The data were obtained from the weather station of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA). An analysis was performed to identify methods that best fit those of Penman-Monteith-FAO 56, and for this, ten methods were evaluated using statistical indices. The Penman-Original, Radiation-Temperature, and Hargreaves-Original methods stood out and satisfactorily met ETo estimation for the rainy season, while the Jensen-Haise, Radiation-Temperature, and Hargreaves-Original methods achieved satisfactory performance for the dry season. The Hargreaves-Samani method did not demonstrate viability in the use of ETo estimation, as it was the worst method in both studied periods and is not recommended for irrigation management.

O município de Mossoró-RN é considerado uns dos polos fruticultores da região Nordeste. O município apresenta constante déficit hídrico, sendo necessário o desenvolvimento da agricultura irrigada com o uso eficiente da água, sendo fundamental o manejo racional da irrigação. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar para as condições climáticas de Mossoró-RN, diferentes métodos de estimativa da evapotranspiração de referência (ETo), comparando-os com o método padrão de Penman-Monteith-FAO 56. Foi utilizada uma série de dados diários de dois anos distintos, um ano chuvoso (2011) e outro seco (2012). Os dados foram obtidos na estação meteorológica da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA). Foi realizada análise visando identificar os métodos que melhor se ajustam ao de Penman-Monteith-FAO 56, e para isto, foram avaliados 10 métodos mediante índices estatísticos. Destacaram-se os métodos de Penman-Original, Radiação-Temperatura e Hargreaves-Original, os quais atenderam satisfatoriamente a estimativa da ETo para o período chuvoso, enquanto que os métodos de Jensen-Haise, Radiação-Temperatura e Hargreaves-Original obtiveram desempenho satisfatório para o período seco. O método de Hargreaves-Samani não demonstrou viabilidade na utilização de estimativa da ETo, pois foi o pior método em ambos os períodos estudados, não sendo recomendado para o manejo da irrigação.

Evapotranspiração de referência em Januária-MG pelos métodos tanque classe “A” e Hargreaves-Samani / Evapotranspiration estimation in Januária-MG by class “A” pan and Hargreaves-Samani methods

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o desempenho do método do tanque classe “A” (TCA) e Hargreaves-Samani (HS), comparados ao método de Penman-Monteith (PM), para determinação da evapotranspiração de referência (ET0) no município de Januária, MG. Foram utilizados os dados climáticos do período 01 de janeiro de 2014 a 31 de dezembro de 2016, pertencente ao banco de dados da estação meteorológica do INMET, localizada no município. A partir dos dados obtidos foram realizadas análises de correlação entre os métodos TCA e HS com o PM, de regressão linear e determinação dos índices de concordância de Willmott e de desempenho. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que o método do TCA superestima a ET0 na região de Januária-MG, mas teve desempenho bom quando ajustado ao método de PM. Quanto ao método de HS, os resultados obtidos mostram que este superestimou a ET0na maioria dos meses, porém apresentou coeficiente de correlação alto e desempenho satisfatório, sendo assim, ambos os métodos podem ser utilizados para estimar a ET0 na região de Januária MG, quando não se dispuser de todos os dados necessários para determinação por meio do método de PM.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of the class “A” (TCA) and Hargreaves-Samani (HS) method, compared to the Penman-Monteith (PM) method, to determine the reference evapotranspiration (ET0) in Januária, MG. We used the weather data from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016, belonging to the database of the INMET weather station, located in the municipality. From the obtained data, correlation analyzes between the TCA and HS methods with the PM, linear regression and determination of the Willmott agreement and performance indices were performed. According to the results obtained, it can be concluded that the ACT method overestimates the ET0 in the region of Januária-MG, but performed well when adjusted to the PM method. As for the HS method, the results show that it overestimated the ET0 in most months, but presented a high correlation coefficient and satisfactory performance, so both methods can be used to estimate the ET0 in the region of Januária MG, when not having all the data necessary for determination by the PM method.

Evapotranspiração de referência em Januária-MG pelos métodos tanque classe “A” e Hargreaves-Samani / Evapotranspiration estimation in Januária-MG by class “A” pan and Hargreaves-Samani methods

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o desempenho do método do tanque classe “A” (TCA) e Hargreaves-Samani (HS), comparados ao método de Penman-Monteith (PM), para determinação da evapotranspiração de referência (ET0) no município de Januária, MG. Foram utilizados os dados climáticos do período 01 de janeiro de 2014 a 31 de dezembro de 2016, pertencente ao banco de dados da estação meteorológica do INMET, localizada no município. A partir dos dados obtidos foram realizadas análises de correlação entre os métodos TCA e HS com o PM, de regressão linear e determinação dos índices de concordância de Willmott e de desempenho. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que o método do TCA superestima a ET0 na região de Januária-MG, mas teve desempenho bom quando ajustado ao método de PM. Quanto ao método de HS, os resultados obtidos mostram que este superestimou a ET0na maioria dos meses, porém apresentou coeficiente de correlação alto e desempenho satisfatório, sendo assim, ambos os métodos podem ser utilizados para estimar a ET0 na região de Januária MG, quando não se dispuser de todos os dados necessários para determinação por meio do método de PM.(AU)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of the class “A” (TCA) and Hargreaves-Samani (HS) method, compared to the Penman-Monteith (PM) method, to determine the reference evapotranspiration (ET0) in Januária, MG. We used the weather data from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016, belonging to the database of the INMET weather station, located in the municipality. From the obtained data, correlation analyzes between the TCA and HS methods with the PM, linear regression and determination of the Willmott agreement and performance indices were performed. According to the results obtained, it can be concluded that the ACT method overestimates the ET0 in the region of Januária-MG, but performed well when adjusted to the PM method. As for the HS method, the results show that it overestimated the ET0 in most months, but presented a high correlation coefficient and satisfactory performance, so both methods can be used to estimate the ET0 in the region of Januária MG, when not having all the data necessary for determination by the PM method.(AU)

Reference evapotranspiration during rainy and dry seasons in Mossoró, RN, Brazil / Evapotranspiração de referência nos períodos chuvoso e seco em Mossoró-RN

Mossoró, RN, Brazil, is considered one of the fruit growing centers of the Northeast region. This municipality has a persistent water deficit, with the need to develop irrigated agriculture with efficient water use and rational management of irrigation. The objective of this study was to evaluate estimation methods of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) for different climate conditions of Mossoró, comparing them with the standard Penman-Monteith-FAO 56 method. A daily data series of two distinct years, a rainy (2011) and a dry year (2012), was used. The data were obtained from the weather station of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA). An analysis was performed to identify methods that best fit those of Penman-Monteith-FAO 56, and for this, ten methods were evaluated using statistical indices. The Penman-Original, Radiation-Temperature, and Hargreaves-Original methods stood out and satisfactorily met ETo estimation for the rainy season, while the Jensen-Haise, Radiation-Temperature, and Hargreaves-Original methods achieved satisfactory performance for the dry season. The Hargreaves-Samani method did not demonstrate viability in the use of ETo estimation, as it was the worst method in both studied periods and is not recommended for irrigation management.(AU)

O município de Mossoró-RN é considerado uns dos polos fruticultores da região Nordeste. O município apresenta constante déficit hídrico, sendo necessário o desenvolvimento da agricultura irrigada com o uso eficiente da água, sendo fundamental o manejo racional da irrigação. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar para as condições climáticas de Mossoró-RN, diferentes métodos de estimativa da evapotranspiração de referência (ETo), comparando-os com o método padrão de Penman-Monteith-FAO 56. Foi utilizada uma série de dados diários de dois anos distintos, um ano chuvoso (2011) e outro seco (2012). Os dados foram obtidos na estação meteorológica da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA). Foi realizada análise visando identificar os métodos que melhor se ajustam ao de Penman-Monteith-FAO 56, e para isto, foram avaliados 10 métodos mediante índices estatísticos. Destacaram-se os métodos de Penman-Original, Radiação-Temperatura e Hargreaves-Original, os quais atenderam satisfatoriamente a estimativa da ETo para o período chuvoso, enquanto que os métodos de Jensen-Haise, Radiação-Temperatura e Hargreaves-Original obtiveram desempenho satisfatório para o período seco. O método de Hargreaves-Samani não demonstrou viabilidade na utilização de estimativa da ETo, pois foi o pior método em ambos os períodos estudados, não sendo recomendado para o manejo da irrigação.(AU)

Accuracy of air temperature forecasts and its use for prediction of the reference evapotranspiration / Acurácia das previsões da temperatura do ar e uso na estimativa da evapotranspiração de referência

The objective of this study was to verify the quality of the short-term forecasts made by some web sites, as well as the potential of its use in estimating reference evapotranspiration (ETo). For the period 2012-2013, every 4-days, the maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) air temperature forecasts for horizons of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours provided by public sites for Uberlandia-MG were collected and used for calculating the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) by the Hargreaves-Samani (HS) calibrated equation. The sites www.accuweather.com (WEATHER); www.cemig.com.br (CEMIG); jornaldotempo.uol.com.br; (JORNAL) and www.climatempo.com.br (CLIMA) were evaluated. For the same period, the meteorological data were taken at the National Institute of Meteorology (www.inmet.gov.br). The performance of the Tmax and Tmin forecasts as well as the ETo estimates were made by regression analysis, the mean bias error (MBE), root mean square error (RMSE) and t-test. For all sites, there was a better performance in the prediction of Tmin when compared to Tmax, especially by a reduction in errors (MBE and RMSE) and an increase in coefficients b and R2. For ETo, the site CLIMA had lowest MBE and RMSE (0.9 mm d-1) following by the WEATHER and JORNAL. On the other hand, the site CEMIG presented higher values for MBE (-1.3 mm d-1) and RMSE (1.6 mm d-1). There was no worsening with an increase of the forecast horizon in these indices, except for R² values. The site CLIMA was the only one that did not differ significantly from the ETo values observed. The results of diagnostic verification procedures indicate the potential use of air temperature forecasts in irrigation management.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a qualidade das previsões de curto prazo feitas por alguns endereços eletrônicos da internet, bem como a potencialidade de seu uso na estimativa da evapotranspiração de referência (ETo). No período de 2012 a 2013, a cada quatro dias, foram coletadas as previsões de 24,48,72 e 96 de horizonte, da temperatura máxima (Tmax) e mínima (Tmin) do ar de quatro endereços eletrônicos para a cidade de Uberlândia, MG. Os dados previstos de temperatura, foram utilizados na equação calibrada do modelo de Hargreaves-Samani (HS) para a obtenção da estimativa da ETo. Os endereços avaliados foram: www.accuweather.com (WEATHER); www.cemig.com.br (CEMIG); jornaldotempo.uol.com.br; (JORNAL) e www.climatempo.com.br (CLIMA). No mesmo período, dados meteorológicos da cidade foram obtidos junto ao Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (www.inmet.gov.br). A performance das previsões da temperatura e estimativas de ETo foram feitas por meio da análise de regressão, erro médio (EM), raiz quadrada do quadrado médio do erro (RQME) e pelo teste-t. Para todos os endereços, houve uma melhor performance na previsão da Tmin em relação a Tmax, especialmente pela redução dos erros (ME e RQME) e aumento nos coeficientes b e R2. Para ETo, o endereço CLIMA obteve os menores valores de EM e RQME (0,9 mm d-1) seguido do endereço WEATHER e JORNAL. Por outro lado, o endereço CEMIG apresentou os maiores valores para EM (-1,3 mm d-1) e RQME (1,6 mm d-1). Não houve piora na estimativa com aumento do horizonte de previsão nesses índices, exceto para R2. O endereço CLIMA foi o único que não diferiu significativamente dos valores de ETo observados. Os resultados de verificação indicam potencial uso das previsões para o manejo da irrigação.

Yield, quality and drought sensitivity of tomato to water deficit during different growth stages

In areas where the supply of water for irrigation is limited, tomato production is often subject to drought stress. In order to investigate the drought sensitivity of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) yield and quality during different growth stages, field and pot experiments were conducted in a high tunnel in southern China during the 2013 and 2016 growing seasons. The experiments consisted of four treatments. Crops were drip-irrigated to 100 % of field capacity at all growth stages divided into treatment T1 (control) and the treatment group T2, T3 and T4 receiving half the amount of irrigation as T1 when the soil water content reached 70 % of field capacity, the vegetative phase (stage I) T2, the flowering and fruit development phase (stage II) T3, and the fruit ripening phase (stage III) T4. Compared to the control treatment, drought stress at stages II and III caused a decrease in yield of 13 % and 26 %, respectively. Fruit firmness and color index were positively affected by drought stress, while fruit water content and shape index did not show any differences between treatments. Taste and nutritional quality parameters, such as total soluble solids, soluble sugar, organic acids and vitamin C improved in response to limited water supply (p 0.05). Despite having a negative effect on fruit yield, drought stress applied at stage III tended to enhance fruit quality traits. This study found that applying drought stress at stage I can be a positive management approach as it saves water and has fewer negative effects compared to applying drought stress at the other critical growth stages, thereby minimizing the adverse effects of drought stress.

Irrigation frequency and vermiculite proportion in substrate for Eucalyptus grandis seedling / Frequências de irrigação e proporção de vermiculita em mudas de Eucalyptus grandis

This study aimed to determine the best irrigation frequency and vermiculite proportion in substrate for Eucalyptus grandis seedling production in poorly technified nurseries. The experiment was carried out in Chapadão do Sul - MS (Brazil) from April 8 to July 23, 2013 (106 days). The experimental design was in randomized blocks arranged in a split-plots, with four irrigation frequencies (plots) and five vermiculite proportions (subplots) and six replications. Irrigation depth was estimated by the reference evapotranspiration (Penman-Monteith) multiplied by a crop coefficient (Kc) of 2. Average daily irrigation depth was 5.5 mm during the experimental period. The results showed that two daily irrigations (at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.) and filling tubes with 80% vermiculite and 20% soil were most suitable for eucalyptus seedling production under these experimental conditions.(AU)

Objetivou-se determinar as melhores frequências de irrigação e proporção de vermiculita em substrato para produção de mudas de Eucalyptus grandis em viveiros menos tecnificados. O experimento foi realizado entre 08/04/2013 e 23/07/2013 (106 dias) e conduzido em Chapadão do Sul-MS, Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, em parcelas subdivididas, tendo nas parcelas quatro frequências de irrigação e nas subparcelas cinco proporções de vermiculita, com seis repetições. A lâmina de irrigação foi estimada pela evapotranspiração de referência (Penman-Monteith) multiplicada pelo coeficiente de cultivo (Kc) = 2. A lâmina média diária de irrigação no período experimental foi de 5,5 mm. Constatou-se que o manejo com duas irrigações diárias (11:00h e 19:00h) e preenchimento de tubetes com 80% de vermiculita e 20% de solo de barranco é mais indicado para a produção de mudas de eucalipto nessas condições.(AU)

Yield, quality and drought sensitivity of tomato to water deficit during different growth stages

In areas where the supply of water for irrigation is limited, tomato production is often subject to drought stress. In order to investigate the drought sensitivity of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) yield and quality during different growth stages, field and pot experiments were conducted in a high tunnel in southern China during the 2013 and 2016 growing seasons. The experiments consisted of four treatments. Crops were drip-irrigated to 100 % of field capacity at all growth stages divided into treatment T1 (control) and the treatment group T2, T3 and T4 receiving half the amount of irrigation as T1 when the soil water content reached 70 % of field capacity, the vegetative phase (stage I) T2, the flowering and fruit development phase (stage II) T3, and the fruit ripening phase (stage III) T4. Compared to the control treatment, drought stress at stages II and III caused a decrease in yield of 13 % and 26 %, respectively. Fruit firmness and color index were positively affected by drought stress, while fruit water content and shape index did not show any differences between treatments. Taste and nutritional quality parameters, such as total soluble solids, soluble sugar, organic acids and vitamin C improved in response to limited water supply (p 0.05). Despite having a negative effect on fruit yield, drought stress applied at stage III tended to enhance fruit quality traits. This study found that applying drought stress at stage I can be a positive management approach as it saves water and has fewer negative effects compared to applying drought stress at the other critical growth stages, thereby minimizing the adverse effects of drought stress.(AU)

Irrigation with saline water on pineapple grown in the semi-arid of bahia state / Irrigação com água salina na cultura do abacaxizeiro no semiárido baiano

We aimed to evaluate the effects of different irrigation depths with saline water on growth, yield, water-use efficiency, and fruit quality of 'Pérola' pineapple plant grown in the semi-arid of Bahia state. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with five treatments which represented the irrigation depths: 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) with irrigation water of 0.75 dS m-1 in electrical conductivity (ECiw); and 50, 75,100, and 125% of ETc with water of 3.6 dS m-1 in ECiw. Pineapples were grown under field conditions watered by drip irrigation in which pressure compensating emitters had 8 L h-1 flow rate. We observed that the irrigation depth 100% of ETc with water of 0.75 and 3.6 dS m-1 in ECiwprovides higher pineapple yields under the semi-arid conditions of this study, and the chemical quality of the fruits are up to commercial standards, except when applying 125% of ETc with water of 3.6 dS m-1 in ECiw.

Objetivou-se avaliar o uso de diferentes lâminas de irrigação com água salina nas características de crescimento, produtividade, eficiência de uso da água e qualidade do abacaxizeiro 'Perola' no semiárido baiano. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos casualizados com cinco tratamentos representados pelas lâminas de irrigação: 100% da evapotranspiração da cultura (ETc) com água de condutividade elétrica (CEa) de 0,75 dS m-1 e 50, 75, 100 e 125% da ETc com aplicação de água de CEa de 3,6 dS m-1. A cultura foi conduzida em condições de campo com a utilização do sistema de irrigação por gotejamento, com gotejadores autocompensantes de vazão nominal de 8 L h-1. Verificou-se que a lâmina de irrigação referente a 100% da ETc com água de CEa de 0,75 e 3,6 dS m-1 proporciona as melhores produtividades nas condições do presente estudo e as características de qualidade química do fruto do abacaxi 'Pérola' estão dentro dos padrões de comercialização, exceto com aplicação de lâmina referente a 125% da ETc com água de CEa de 3,6 dS m-1.